689025feabd1031614e8520a1c2e3286b5005d75
[deliverable/binutils-gdb.git] / gdb / doc / gdb.texinfo
1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
2 @c Copyright (C) 1988-2017 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
3 @c
4 @c %**start of header
5 @c makeinfo ignores cmds prev to setfilename, so its arg cannot make use
6 @c of @set vars. However, you can override filename with makeinfo -o.
7 @setfilename gdb.info
8 @c
9 @c man begin INCLUDE
10 @include gdb-cfg.texi
11 @c man end
12 @c
13 @settitle Debugging with @value{GDBN}
14 @setchapternewpage odd
15 @c %**end of header
16
17 @iftex
18 @c @smallbook
19 @c @cropmarks
20 @end iftex
21
22 @finalout
23 @c To avoid file-name clashes between index.html and Index.html, when
24 @c the manual is produced on a Posix host and then moved to a
25 @c case-insensitive filesystem (e.g., MS-Windows), we separate the
26 @c indices into two: Concept Index and all the rest.
27 @syncodeindex ky fn
28 @syncodeindex tp fn
29
30 @c readline appendices use @vindex, @findex and @ftable,
31 @c annotate.texi and gdbmi use @findex.
32 @syncodeindex vr fn
33
34 @c !!set GDB manual's edition---not the same as GDB version!
35 @c This is updated by GNU Press.
36 @set EDITION Tenth
37
38 @c !!set GDB edit command default editor
39 @set EDITOR /bin/ex
40
41 @c THIS MANUAL REQUIRES TEXINFO 4.0 OR LATER.
42
43 @c This is a dir.info fragment to support semi-automated addition of
44 @c manuals to an info tree.
45 @dircategory Software development
46 @direntry
47 * Gdb: (gdb). The GNU debugger.
48 * gdbserver: (gdb) Server. The GNU debugging server.
49 @end direntry
50
51 @copying
52 @c man begin COPYRIGHT
53 Copyright @copyright{} 1988-2017 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
54
55 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
56 under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 or
57 any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with the
58 Invariant Sections being ``Free Software'' and ``Free Software Needs
59 Free Documentation'', with the Front-Cover Texts being ``A GNU Manual,''
60 and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below.
61
62 (a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You are free to copy and modify
63 this GNU Manual. Buying copies from GNU Press supports the FSF in
64 developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
65 @c man end
66 @end copying
67
68 @ifnottex
69 This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
70
71 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, of @cite{Debugging with
72 @value{GDBN}: the @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger} for @value{GDBN}
73 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
74 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
75 @end ifset
76 Version @value{GDBVN}.
77
78 @insertcopying
79 @end ifnottex
80
81 @titlepage
82 @title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
83 @subtitle The @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger
84 @sp 1
85 @subtitle @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
86 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
87 @sp 1
88 @subtitle @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
89 @end ifset
90 @author Richard Stallman, Roland Pesch, Stan Shebs, et al.
91 @page
92 @tex
93 {\parskip=0pt
94 \hfill (Send bugs and comments on @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.)\par
95 \hfill {\it Debugging with @value{GDBN}}\par
96 \hfill \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par
97 }
98 @end tex
99
100 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
101 Published by the Free Software Foundation @*
102 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor,
103 Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA@*
104 ISBN 978-0-9831592-3-0 @*
105
106 @insertcopying
107 @end titlepage
108 @page
109
110 @ifnottex
111 @node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
112
113 @top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
114
115 This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
116
117 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
118 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
119 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
120 @end ifset
121 Version @value{GDBVN}.
122
123 Copyright (C) 1988-2017 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
124
125 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
126 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
127 software in general. We will miss him.
128
129 @menu
130 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
131 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
132
133 * Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
134 * Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
135 * Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
136 * Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
137 * Reverse Execution:: Running programs backward
138 * Process Record and Replay:: Recording inferior's execution and replaying it
139 * Stack:: Examining the stack
140 * Source:: Examining source files
141 * Data:: Examining data
142 * Optimized Code:: Debugging optimized code
143 * Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
144 * Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
145 * Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
146
147 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
148
149 * Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
150 * Altering:: Altering execution
151 * GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
152 * Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
153 * Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
154 * Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
155 * Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
156 * Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
157 * Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
158 * TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
159 * Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
160 * GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
161 * Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
162 * JIT Interface:: Using the JIT debugging interface.
163 * In-Process Agent:: In-Process Agent
164
165 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
166
167 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
168 * Command Line Editing: (rluserman). Command Line Editing
169 * Using History Interactively: (history). Using History Interactively
170 @end ifset
171 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
172 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
173 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
174 @end ifclear
175 * In Memoriam:: In Memoriam
176 * Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
177 * Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
178 * Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
179 * Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
180 * Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
181 * Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
182 @value{GDBN}
183 * Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
184 the operating system
185 * Trace File Format:: GDB trace file format
186 * Index Section Format:: .gdb_index section format
187 * Man Pages:: Manual pages
188 * Copying:: GNU General Public License says
189 how you can copy and share GDB
190 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
191 * Concept Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} concepts
192 * Command and Variable Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} commands, variables,
193 functions, and Python data types
194 @end menu
195
196 @end ifnottex
197
198 @contents
199
200 @node Summary
201 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
202
203 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
204 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
205 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
206
207 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
208 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
209
210 @itemize @bullet
211 @item
212 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
213
214 @item
215 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
216
217 @item
218 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
219
220 @item
221 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
222 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
223 @end itemize
224
225 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
226 For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
227 For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
228
229 Support for D is partial. For information on D, see
230 @ref{D,,D}.
231
232 @cindex Modula-2
233 Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
234 @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
235
236 Support for OpenCL C is partial. For information on OpenCL C, see
237 @ref{OpenCL C,,OpenCL C}.
238
239 @cindex Pascal
240 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
241 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
242 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
243 syntax.
244
245 @cindex Fortran
246 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
247 it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
248 underscore.
249
250 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
251 using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
252
253 @menu
254 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
255 * Free Documentation:: Free Software Needs Free Documentation
256 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
257 @end menu
258
259 @node Free Software
260 @unnumberedsec Free Software
261
262 @value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
263 General Public License
264 (GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
265 program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
266 freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
267 the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
268 Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
269 Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
270
271 Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
272 you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
273 from anyone else.
274
275 @node Free Documentation
276 @unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
277
278 The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
279 the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
280 include with the free software. Many of our most important
281 programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
282 texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
283 when an important free software package does not come with a free
284 manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
285 gaps today.
286
287 Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
288 normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
289 authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
290 copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
291 them from the free software world.
292
293 That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
294 from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
295 manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
296 only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
297 contract to make it non-free.
298
299 Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
300 price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
301 charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
302 Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
303 problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
304 are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
305 modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
306
307 The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
308 free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
309 commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
310 accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
311
312 Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
313 When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
314 are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
315 provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
316 manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
317 a changed version of the program is not really available to our
318 community.
319
320 Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
321 acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
322 author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
323 authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
324 to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
325 may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
326 with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
327 are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
328 of the manual.
329
330 However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
331 content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
332 media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
333 obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
334 manual to replace it.
335
336 Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
337 lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
338 free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
339 the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
340 realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
341 the free software community.
342
343 If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
344 the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
345 license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
346 don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
347 will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
348 option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
349 what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
350 try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
351 is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
352
353 You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
354 manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
355 copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
356 improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
357 at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
358 and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
359 Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
360 have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
361
362 The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
363 published by other publishers, at
364 @url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
365
366 @node Contributors
367 @unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
368
369 Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
370 other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
371 development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
372 of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
373 to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
374 file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
375 blow-by-blow account.
376
377 Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
378
379 @quotation
380 @emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
381 or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
382 omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
383 @end quotation
384
385 So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
386 particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
387 releases:
388 Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
389 Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
390 Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
391 Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
392 Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
393 Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
394 John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
395 Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
396 and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
397
398 Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
399 Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
400
401 Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
402 in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
403 Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
404 demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
405 much general update work leading to release 3.0).
406
407 @value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
408 object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
409 Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
410
411 David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
412 the original support for encapsulated COFF.
413
414 Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
415
416 Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
417 Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
418 support.
419 Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
420 Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
421 Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
422 David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
423 Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
424 Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
425 Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
426 Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
427 Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
428 Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
429 Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
430 Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
431 Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
432 Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
433 Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
434 Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
435
436 Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
437
438 Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
439 libraries.
440
441 Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
442 about several machine instruction sets.
443
444 Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
445 remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
446 contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
447 and RDI targets, respectively.
448
449 Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
450 command-line editing and command history.
451
452 Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
453 Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
454
455 Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
456 He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
457 symbols.
458
459 Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
460 H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
461
462 NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
463
464 Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
465 processors.
466
467 Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
468
469 Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
470
471 Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
472
473 Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
474 watchpoints.
475
476 Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
477
478 Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
479
480 Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
481 nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
482
483 The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
484 support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
485 (narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
486 compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
487 Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
488 Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
489 provided HP-specific information in this manual.
490
491 DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
492 Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
493
494 Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
495 development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
496 fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
497 Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
498 Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
499 Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
500 Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
501 addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
502 JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
503 Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
504 Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
505 Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
506 Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
507 Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
508 Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
509
510 Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
511 Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
512
513 Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
514 Hat.
515
516 Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
517 people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
518 Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
519 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
520 Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
521 with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
522
523 Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
524 unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
525 frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
526 Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
527 libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
528 trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
529 complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
530 Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
531 Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
532 Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
533 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
534 Weigand.
535
536 Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
537 Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
538 who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
539 Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
540
541 Michael Eager and staff of Xilinx, Inc., contributed support for the
542 Xilinx MicroBlaze architecture.
543
544 Initial support for the FreeBSD/mips target and native configuration
545 was developed by SRI International and the University of Cambridge
546 Computer Laboratory under DARPA/AFRL contract FA8750-10-C-0237
547 ("CTSRD"), as part of the DARPA CRASH research programme.
548
549 @node Sample Session
550 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
551
552 You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
553 However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
554 debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
555
556 @iftex
557 In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
558 to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
559 @end iftex
560
561 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
562 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
563
564 One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
565 processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
566 quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
567 definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
568 session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
569 then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
570 same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
571 @code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
572 procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
573
574 @smallexample
575 $ @b{cd gnu/m4}
576 $ @b{./m4}
577 @b{define(foo,0000)}
578
579 @b{foo}
580 0000
581 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
582
583 @b{bar}
584 0000
585 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
586
587 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
588 @b{baz}
589 @b{Ctrl-d}
590 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
591 @end smallexample
592
593 @noindent
594 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
595
596 @smallexample
597 $ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
598 @c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
599 @c FIXME... format to come out better.
600 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
601 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
602 the conditions.
603 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
604 for details.
605
606 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
607 (@value{GDBP})
608 @end smallexample
609
610 @noindent
611 @value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
612 rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
613 We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
614 that examples fit in this manual.
615
616 @smallexample
617 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
618 @end smallexample
619
620 @noindent
621 We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
622 Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
623 @code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
624 @code{break} command.
625
626 @smallexample
627 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
628 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
629 @end smallexample
630
631 @noindent
632 Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
633 control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
634 subroutine, the program runs as usual:
635
636 @smallexample
637 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
638 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
639 @b{define(foo,0000)}
640
641 @b{foo}
642 0000
643 @end smallexample
644
645 @noindent
646 To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
647 suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
648 context where it stops.
649
650 @smallexample
651 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
652
653 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
654 at builtin.c:879
655 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
656 @end smallexample
657
658 @noindent
659 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
660 the next line of the current function.
661
662 @smallexample
663 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
664 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
665 : nil,
666 @end smallexample
667
668 @noindent
669 @code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
670 by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
671 @code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
672 subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
673
674 @smallexample
675 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
676 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
677 at input.c:530
678 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
679 @end smallexample
680
681 @noindent
682 The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
683 suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
684 shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
685 command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
686 in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
687 stack frame for each active subroutine.
688
689 @smallexample
690 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
691 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
692 at input.c:530
693 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
694 at builtin.c:882
695 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
696 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
697 at macro.c:71
698 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
699 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
700 @end smallexample
701
702 @noindent
703 We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
704 times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
705 falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
706
707 @smallexample
708 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
709 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
710 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
711 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
712 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
713 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
714 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
715 : xstrdup(rq);
716 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
717 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
718 @end smallexample
719
720 @noindent
721 The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
722 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
723 and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
724 (@code{print}) to see their values.
725
726 @smallexample
727 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
728 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
729 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
730 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
731 @end smallexample
732
733 @noindent
734 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
735 To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
736 surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
737
738 @smallexample
739 (@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
740 533 xfree(rquote);
741 534
742 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
743 : xstrdup (lq);
744 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
745 : xstrdup (rq);
746 537
747 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
748 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
749 540 @}
750 541
751 542 void
752 @end smallexample
753
754 @noindent
755 Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
756 @code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
757
758 @smallexample
759 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
760 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
761 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
762 540 @}
763 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
764 $3 = 9
765 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
766 $4 = 7
767 @end smallexample
768
769 @noindent
770 That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
771 @code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
772 @code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
773 the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
774 any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
775 assignments.
776
777 @smallexample
778 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
779 $5 = 7
780 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
781 $6 = 9
782 @end smallexample
783
784 @noindent
785 Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
786 @code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
787 executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
788 example that caused trouble initially:
789
790 @smallexample
791 (@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
792 Continuing.
793
794 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
795
796 baz
797 0000
798 @end smallexample
799
800 @noindent
801 Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
802 problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
803 lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
804
805 @smallexample
806 @b{Ctrl-d}
807 Program exited normally.
808 @end smallexample
809
810 @noindent
811 The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
812 indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
813 session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
814
815 @smallexample
816 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
817 @end smallexample
818
819 @node Invocation
820 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
821
822 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
823 The essentials are:
824 @itemize @bullet
825 @item
826 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
827 @item
828 type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
829 @end itemize
830
831 @menu
832 * Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
833 * Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
834 * Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
835 * Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
836 @end menu
837
838 @node Invoking GDB
839 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
840
841 Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
842 @value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
843
844 You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
845 to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
846
847 The command-line options described here are designed
848 to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
849 options may effectively be unavailable.
850
851 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
852 specifying an executable program:
853
854 @smallexample
855 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
856 @end smallexample
857
858 @noindent
859 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
860 specified:
861
862 @smallexample
863 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
864 @end smallexample
865
866 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
867 to debug a running process:
868
869 @smallexample
870 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
871 @end smallexample
872
873 @noindent
874 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
875 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
876
877 Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
878 complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
879 debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
880 ``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
881 will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
882
883 You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
884 executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
885 option processing.
886 @smallexample
887 @value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
888 @end smallexample
889 This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
890 @code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
891
892 You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
893 @value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{--silent}
894 (or @code{-q}/@code{--quiet}):
895
896 @smallexample
897 @value{GDBP} --silent
898 @end smallexample
899
900 @noindent
901 You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
902 options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
903
904 @noindent
905 Type
906
907 @smallexample
908 @value{GDBP} -help
909 @end smallexample
910
911 @noindent
912 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
913 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
914
915 All options and command line arguments you give are processed
916 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
917 @samp{-x} option is used.
918
919
920 @menu
921 * File Options:: Choosing files
922 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
923 * Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
924 @end menu
925
926 @node File Options
927 @subsection Choosing Files
928
929 When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
930 specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
931 the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
932 @samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
933 first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
934 equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
935 second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
936 equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
937 If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
938 first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
939 to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
940 a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
941 prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
942
943 If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
944 such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
945 argument and ignore it.
946
947 Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
948 following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
949 them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
950 (If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
951 than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
952
953 @c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
954 @c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
955 @c it.
956
957 @table @code
958 @item -symbols @var{file}
959 @itemx -s @var{file}
960 @cindex @code{--symbols}
961 @cindex @code{-s}
962 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
963
964 @item -exec @var{file}
965 @itemx -e @var{file}
966 @cindex @code{--exec}
967 @cindex @code{-e}
968 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
969 and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
970
971 @item -se @var{file}
972 @cindex @code{--se}
973 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
974 file.
975
976 @item -core @var{file}
977 @itemx -c @var{file}
978 @cindex @code{--core}
979 @cindex @code{-c}
980 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
981
982 @item -pid @var{number}
983 @itemx -p @var{number}
984 @cindex @code{--pid}
985 @cindex @code{-p}
986 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
987
988 @item -command @var{file}
989 @itemx -x @var{file}
990 @cindex @code{--command}
991 @cindex @code{-x}
992 Execute commands from file @var{file}. The contents of this file is
993 evaluated exactly as the @code{source} command would.
994 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
995
996 @item -eval-command @var{command}
997 @itemx -ex @var{command}
998 @cindex @code{--eval-command}
999 @cindex @code{-ex}
1000 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
1001
1002 This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
1003 also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
1004
1005 @smallexample
1006 @value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
1007 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
1008 @end smallexample
1009
1010 @item -init-command @var{file}
1011 @itemx -ix @var{file}
1012 @cindex @code{--init-command}
1013 @cindex @code{-ix}
1014 Execute commands from file @var{file} before loading the inferior (but
1015 after loading gdbinit files).
1016 @xref{Startup}.
1017
1018 @item -init-eval-command @var{command}
1019 @itemx -iex @var{command}
1020 @cindex @code{--init-eval-command}
1021 @cindex @code{-iex}
1022 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command before loading the inferior (but
1023 after loading gdbinit files).
1024 @xref{Startup}.
1025
1026 @item -directory @var{directory}
1027 @itemx -d @var{directory}
1028 @cindex @code{--directory}
1029 @cindex @code{-d}
1030 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
1031
1032 @item -r
1033 @itemx -readnow
1034 @cindex @code{--readnow}
1035 @cindex @code{-r}
1036 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
1037 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
1038 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
1039
1040 @item --readnever
1041 @anchor{--readnever}
1042 @cindex @code{--readnever}, command-line option
1043 Do not read each symbol file's symbolic debug information. This makes
1044 startup faster but at the expense of not being able to perform
1045 symbolic debugging. DWARF unwind information is also not read,
1046 meaning backtraces may become incomplete or inaccurate. One use of
1047 this is when a user simply wants to do the following sequence: attach,
1048 dump core, detach. Loading the debugging information in this case is
1049 an unnecessary cause of delay.
1050 @end table
1051
1052 @node Mode Options
1053 @subsection Choosing Modes
1054
1055 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
1056 batch mode or quiet mode.
1057
1058 @table @code
1059 @anchor{-nx}
1060 @item -nx
1061 @itemx -n
1062 @cindex @code{--nx}
1063 @cindex @code{-n}
1064 Do not execute commands found in any initialization file.
1065 There are three init files, loaded in the following order:
1066
1067 @table @code
1068 @item @file{system.gdbinit}
1069 This is the system-wide init file.
1070 Its location is specified with the @code{--with-system-gdbinit}
1071 configure option (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
1072 It is loaded first when @value{GDBN} starts, before command line options
1073 have been processed.
1074 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}
1075 This is the init file in your home directory.
1076 It is loaded next, after @file{system.gdbinit}, and before
1077 command options have been processed.
1078 @item @file{./.gdbinit}
1079 This is the init file in the current directory.
1080 It is loaded last, after command line options other than @code{-x} and
1081 @code{-ex} have been processed. Command line options @code{-x} and
1082 @code{-ex} are processed last, after @file{./.gdbinit} has been loaded.
1083 @end table
1084
1085 For further documentation on startup processing, @xref{Startup}.
1086 For documentation on how to write command files,
1087 @xref{Command Files,,Command Files}.
1088
1089 @anchor{-nh}
1090 @item -nh
1091 @cindex @code{--nh}
1092 Do not execute commands found in @file{~/.gdbinit}, the init file
1093 in your home directory.
1094 @xref{Startup}.
1095
1096 @item -quiet
1097 @itemx -silent
1098 @itemx -q
1099 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1100 @cindex @code{--silent}
1101 @cindex @code{-q}
1102 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1103 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1104
1105 @item -batch
1106 @cindex @code{--batch}
1107 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1108 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1109 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1110 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1111 in the command files. Batch mode also disables pagination, sets unlimited
1112 terminal width and height @pxref{Screen Size}, and acts as if @kbd{set confirm
1113 off} were in effect (@pxref{Messages/Warnings}).
1114
1115 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1116 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1117 make this more useful, the message
1118
1119 @smallexample
1120 Program exited normally.
1121 @end smallexample
1122
1123 @noindent
1124 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1125 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1126 mode.
1127
1128 @item -batch-silent
1129 @cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1130 Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1131 @value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1132 unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1133 for an interactive session.
1134
1135 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1136 messages, for example.
1137
1138 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1139 writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1140
1141 @item -return-child-result
1142 @cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1143 The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1144 process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1145
1146 @itemize @bullet
1147 @item
1148 @value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1149 internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1150 without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1151 @item
1152 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1153 @item
1154 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1155 the exit code will be -1.
1156 @end itemize
1157
1158 This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1159 when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1160 interface.
1161
1162 @item -nowindows
1163 @itemx -nw
1164 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
1165 @cindex @code{-nw}
1166 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1167 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1168 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1169
1170 @item -windows
1171 @itemx -w
1172 @cindex @code{--windows}
1173 @cindex @code{-w}
1174 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1175 used if possible.
1176
1177 @item -cd @var{directory}
1178 @cindex @code{--cd}
1179 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1180 instead of the current directory.
1181
1182 @item -data-directory @var{directory}
1183 @itemx -D @var{directory}
1184 @cindex @code{--data-directory}
1185 @cindex @code{-D}
1186 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its data directory.
1187 The data directory is where @value{GDBN} searches for its
1188 auxiliary files. @xref{Data Files}.
1189
1190 @item -fullname
1191 @itemx -f
1192 @cindex @code{--fullname}
1193 @cindex @code{-f}
1194 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1195 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1196 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1197 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1198 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1199 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1200 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1201 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1202 frame.
1203
1204 @item -annotate @var{level}
1205 @cindex @code{--annotate}
1206 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1207 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1208 (@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1209 information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1210 expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1211 normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1212 @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1213 that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1214
1215 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1216 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1217
1218 @item --args
1219 @cindex @code{--args}
1220 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1221 executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1222 This option stops option processing.
1223
1224 @item -baud @var{bps}
1225 @itemx -b @var{bps}
1226 @cindex @code{--baud}
1227 @cindex @code{-b}
1228 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1229 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1230
1231 @item -l @var{timeout}
1232 @cindex @code{-l}
1233 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1234 for remote debugging.
1235
1236 @item -tty @var{device}
1237 @itemx -t @var{device}
1238 @cindex @code{--tty}
1239 @cindex @code{-t}
1240 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1241 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1242
1243 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1244 @item -tui
1245 @cindex @code{--tui}
1246 Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1247 Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1248 source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1249 (@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Do not use this
1250 option if you run @value{GDBN} from Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,
1251 Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1252
1253 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1254 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1255 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1256 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1257 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1258 @xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1259
1260 @samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1261 @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1262 The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1263 previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1264 selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1265 @sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1266
1267 @item -write
1268 @cindex @code{--write}
1269 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1270 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1271 (@pxref{Patching}).
1272
1273 @item -statistics
1274 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1275 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1276 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1277
1278 @item -version
1279 @cindex @code{--version}
1280 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1281 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1282
1283 @item -configuration
1284 @cindex @code{--configuration}
1285 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print details about its build-time
1286 configuration parameters, and then exit. These details can be
1287 important when reporting @value{GDBN} bugs (@pxref{GDB Bugs}).
1288
1289 @end table
1290
1291 @node Startup
1292 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1293 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1294
1295 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1296
1297 @enumerate
1298 @item
1299 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1300 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1301
1302 @item
1303 @cindex init file
1304 Reads the system-wide @dfn{init file} (if @option{--with-system-gdbinit} was
1305 used when building @value{GDBN}; @pxref{System-wide configuration,
1306 ,System-wide configuration and settings}) and executes all the commands in
1307 that file.
1308
1309 @anchor{Home Directory Init File}
1310 @item
1311 Reads the init file (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1312 DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1313 @code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1314 that file.
1315
1316 @anchor{Option -init-eval-command}
1317 @item
1318 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-iex} and
1319 @samp{-ix} options in their specified order. Usually you should use the
1320 @samp{-ex} and @samp{-x} options instead, but this way you can apply
1321 settings before @value{GDBN} init files get executed and before inferior
1322 gets loaded.
1323
1324 @item
1325 Processes command line options and operands.
1326
1327 @anchor{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}
1328 @item
1329 Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1330 working directory as long as @samp{set auto-load local-gdbinit} is set to
1331 @samp{on} (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory}).
1332 This is only done if the current directory is
1333 different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1334 init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1335 to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1336 @value{GDBN}.
1337
1338 @item
1339 If the command line specified a program to debug, or a process to
1340 attach to, or a core file, @value{GDBN} loads any auto-loaded
1341 scripts provided for the program or for its loaded shared libraries.
1342 @xref{Auto-loading}.
1343
1344 If you wish to disable the auto-loading during startup,
1345 you must do something like the following:
1346
1347 @smallexample
1348 $ gdb -iex "set auto-load python-scripts off" myprogram
1349 @end smallexample
1350
1351 Option @samp{-ex} does not work because the auto-loading is then turned
1352 off too late.
1353
1354 @item
1355 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-ex} and
1356 @samp{-x} options in their specified order. @xref{Command Files}, for
1357 more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1358
1359 @item
1360 Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1361 @xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1362 files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1363 @end enumerate
1364
1365 Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1366 Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1367 file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1368 complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1369 and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1370 option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1371
1372 To display the list of init files loaded by gdb at startup, you
1373 can use @kbd{gdb --help}.
1374
1375 @cindex init file name
1376 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1377 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1378 The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1379 The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1380 the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1381 port of @value{GDBN} uses the standard name, but if it finds a
1382 @file{gdb.ini} file in your home directory, it warns you about that
1383 and suggests to rename the file to the standard name.
1384
1385
1386 @node Quitting GDB
1387 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1388 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1389 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1390
1391 @table @code
1392 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1393 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1394 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1395 @itemx q
1396 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1397 @code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1398 do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1399 otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1400 error code.
1401 @end table
1402
1403 @cindex interrupt
1404 An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1405 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1406 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1407 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1408 until a time when it is safe.
1409
1410 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1411 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1412 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1413
1414 @node Shell Commands
1415 @section Shell Commands
1416
1417 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1418 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1419 just use the @code{shell} command.
1420
1421 @table @code
1422 @kindex shell
1423 @kindex !
1424 @cindex shell escape
1425 @item shell @var{command-string}
1426 @itemx !@var{command-string}
1427 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command-string}.
1428 Note that no space is needed between @code{!} and @var{command-string}.
1429 If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1430 shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1431 (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1432 @end table
1433
1434 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1435 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1436 @value{GDBN}:
1437
1438 @table @code
1439 @kindex make
1440 @cindex calling make
1441 @item make @var{make-args}
1442 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1443 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1444 @end table
1445
1446 @node Logging Output
1447 @section Logging Output
1448 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1449 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1450
1451 You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1452 There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1453
1454 @table @code
1455 @kindex set logging
1456 @item set logging on
1457 Enable logging.
1458 @item set logging off
1459 Disable logging.
1460 @cindex logging file name
1461 @item set logging file @var{file}
1462 Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1463 @item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1464 By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1465 you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1466 @item set logging redirect [on|off]
1467 By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1468 Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1469 @kindex show logging
1470 @item show logging
1471 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1472 @end table
1473
1474 @node Commands
1475 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1476
1477 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1478 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1479 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1480 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1481 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1482
1483 @menu
1484 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1485 * Completion:: Command completion
1486 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1487 @end menu
1488
1489 @node Command Syntax
1490 @section Command Syntax
1491
1492 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1493 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1494 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1495 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1496 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1497 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1498
1499 @cindex abbreviation
1500 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1501 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1502 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1503 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1504 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1505 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1506 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1507
1508 @cindex repeating commands
1509 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1510 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1511 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1512 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1513 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1514 repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1515 @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1516
1517 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1518 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1519 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1520
1521 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1522 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1523 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1524 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1525 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1526
1527 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1528 @cindex comment
1529 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1530 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1531 Files,,Command Files}).
1532
1533 @cindex repeating command sequences
1534 @kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1535 The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1536 commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1537 then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1538 for editing.
1539
1540 @node Completion
1541 @section Command Completion
1542
1543 @cindex completion
1544 @cindex word completion
1545 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1546 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1547 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1548 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1549
1550 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1551 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1552 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1553 enter it). For example, if you type
1554
1555 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1556 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1557 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1558 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1559 @smallexample
1560 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1561 @end smallexample
1562
1563 @noindent
1564 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1565 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1566
1567 @smallexample
1568 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1569 @end smallexample
1570
1571 @noindent
1572 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1573 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1574 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1575 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1576 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1577 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1578
1579 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1580 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1581 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1582 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1583 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1584 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1585 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1586 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1587 example:
1588
1589 @smallexample
1590 (@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1591 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1592 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1593 make_abs_section make_function_type
1594 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1595 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1596 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1597 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1598 @end smallexample
1599
1600 @noindent
1601 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1602 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1603 command.
1604
1605 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1606 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1607 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1608 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1609 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1610
1611 If the number of possible completions is large, @value{GDBN} will
1612 print as much of the list as it has collected, as well as a message
1613 indicating that the list may be truncated.
1614
1615 @smallexample
1616 (@value{GDBP}) b m@key{TAB}@key{TAB}
1617 main
1618 <... the rest of the possible completions ...>
1619 *** List may be truncated, max-completions reached. ***
1620 (@value{GDBP}) b m
1621 @end smallexample
1622
1623 @noindent
1624 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands:
1625
1626 @table @code
1627 @kindex set max-completions
1628 @item set max-completions @var{limit}
1629 @itemx set max-completions unlimited
1630 Set the maximum number of completion candidates. @value{GDBN} will
1631 stop looking for more completions once it collects this many candidates.
1632 This is useful when completing on things like function names as collecting
1633 all the possible candidates can be time consuming.
1634 The default value is 200. A value of zero disables tab-completion.
1635 Note that setting either no limit or a very large limit can make
1636 completion slow.
1637 @kindex show max-completions
1638 @item show max-completions
1639 Show the maximum number of candidates that @value{GDBN} will collect and show
1640 during completion.
1641 @end table
1642
1643 @cindex quotes in commands
1644 @cindex completion of quoted strings
1645 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1646 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1647 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1648 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1649 @value{GDBN} commands.
1650
1651 A likely situation where you might need this is in typing an
1652 expression that involves a C@t{++} symbol name with template
1653 parameters. This is because when completing expressions, GDB treats
1654 the @samp{<} character as word delimiter, assuming that it's the
1655 less-than comparison operator (@pxref{C Operators, , C and C@t{++}
1656 Operators}).
1657
1658 For example, when you want to call a C@t{++} template function
1659 interactively using the @code{print} or @code{call} commands, you may
1660 need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name} that
1661 was specialized for @code{int}, @code{name<int>()}, or the version
1662 that was specialized for @code{float}, @code{name<float>()}. To use
1663 the word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1664 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1665 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1666 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1667
1668 @smallexample
1669 (@value{GDBP}) p 'func< @kbd{M-?}
1670 func<int>() func<float>()
1671 (@value{GDBP}) p 'func<
1672 @end smallexample
1673
1674 When setting breakpoints however (@pxref{Specify Location}), you don't
1675 usually need to type a quote before the function name, because
1676 @value{GDBN} understands that you want to set a breakpoint on a
1677 function:
1678
1679 @smallexample
1680 (@value{GDBP}) b func< @kbd{M-?}
1681 func<int>() func<float>()
1682 (@value{GDBP}) b func<
1683 @end smallexample
1684
1685 This is true even in the case of typing the name of C@t{++} overloaded
1686 functions (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished by
1687 argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1688 don't need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1689 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1690 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}.
1691
1692 @smallexample
1693 (@value{GDBP}) b bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1694 bubble(int) bubble(double)
1695 (@value{GDBP}) b bubble(dou @kbd{M-?}
1696 bubble(double)
1697 @end smallexample
1698
1699 See @ref{quoting names} for a description of other scenarios that
1700 require quoting.
1701
1702 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1703 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1704 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1705 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1706
1707 @cindex completion of structure field names
1708 @cindex structure field name completion
1709 @cindex completion of union field names
1710 @cindex union field name completion
1711 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1712 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1713 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1714 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1715 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1716 left-hand-side:
1717
1718 @smallexample
1719 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1720 magic to_fputs to_rewind
1721 to_data to_isatty to_write
1722 to_delete to_put to_write_async_safe
1723 to_flush to_read
1724 @end smallexample
1725
1726 @noindent
1727 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1728 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1729 follows:
1730
1731 @smallexample
1732 struct ui_file
1733 @{
1734 int *magic;
1735 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1736 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1737 ui_file_write_async_safe_ftype *to_write_async_safe;
1738 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1739 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1740 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1741 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1742 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1743 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1744 void *to_data;
1745 @}
1746 @end smallexample
1747
1748
1749 @node Help
1750 @section Getting Help
1751 @cindex online documentation
1752 @kindex help
1753
1754 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1755 using the command @code{help}.
1756
1757 @table @code
1758 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1759 @item help
1760 @itemx h
1761 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1762 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1763
1764 @smallexample
1765 (@value{GDBP}) help
1766 List of classes of commands:
1767
1768 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1769 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1770 data -- Examining data
1771 files -- Specifying and examining files
1772 internals -- Maintenance commands
1773 obscure -- Obscure features
1774 running -- Running the program
1775 stack -- Examining the stack
1776 status -- Status inquiries
1777 support -- Support facilities
1778 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1779 stopping the program
1780 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1781
1782 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1783 commands in that class.
1784 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1785 documentation.
1786 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1787 (@value{GDBP})
1788 @end smallexample
1789 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1790
1791 @item help @var{class}
1792 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1793 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1794 help display for the class @code{status}:
1795
1796 @smallexample
1797 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1798 Status inquiries.
1799
1800 List of commands:
1801
1802 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1803 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1804 info -- Generic command for showing things
1805 about the program being debugged
1806 show -- Generic command for showing things
1807 about the debugger
1808
1809 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1810 documentation.
1811 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1812 (@value{GDBP})
1813 @end smallexample
1814
1815 @item help @var{command}
1816 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1817 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1818
1819 @kindex apropos
1820 @item apropos @var{args}
1821 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1822 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1823 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1824
1825 @smallexample
1826 apropos alias
1827 @end smallexample
1828
1829 @noindent
1830 results in:
1831
1832 @smallexample
1833 @c @group
1834 alias -- Define a new command that is an alias of an existing command
1835 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1836 d -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1837 del -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1838 delete -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1839 @c @end group
1840 @end smallexample
1841
1842 @kindex complete
1843 @item complete @var{args}
1844 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1845 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1846 command you want completed. For example:
1847
1848 @smallexample
1849 complete i
1850 @end smallexample
1851
1852 @noindent results in:
1853
1854 @smallexample
1855 @group
1856 if
1857 ignore
1858 info
1859 inspect
1860 @end group
1861 @end smallexample
1862
1863 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1864 @end table
1865
1866 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1867 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1868 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1869 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1870 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Command, Variable, and
1871 Function Index point to all the sub-commands. @xref{Command and Variable
1872 Index}.
1873
1874 @c @group
1875 @table @code
1876 @kindex info
1877 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1878 @item info
1879 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1880 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1881 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1882 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1883 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1884 @w{@code{help info}}.
1885
1886 @kindex set
1887 @item set
1888 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1889 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1890 @code{set prompt $}.
1891
1892 @kindex show
1893 @item show
1894 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1895 @value{GDBN} itself.
1896 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1897 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1898 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1899 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1900
1901 @kindex info set
1902 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1903 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1904 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1905 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1906 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1907 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1908 @end table
1909 @c @end group
1910
1911 Here are several miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1912 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1913
1914 @table @code
1915 @kindex show version
1916 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1917 @item show version
1918 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1919 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1920 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1921 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1922 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1923 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1924 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1925 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1926 @value{GDBN}.
1927
1928 @kindex show copying
1929 @kindex info copying
1930 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1931 @item show copying
1932 @itemx info copying
1933 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1934
1935 @kindex show warranty
1936 @kindex info warranty
1937 @item show warranty
1938 @itemx info warranty
1939 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1940 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1941
1942 @kindex show configuration
1943 @item show configuration
1944 Display detailed information about the way @value{GDBN} was configured
1945 when it was built. This displays the optional arguments passed to the
1946 @file{configure} script and also configuration parameters detected
1947 automatically by @command{configure}. When reporting a @value{GDBN}
1948 bug (@pxref{GDB Bugs}), it is important to include this information in
1949 your report.
1950
1951 @end table
1952
1953 @node Running
1954 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1955
1956 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1957 debugging information when you compile it.
1958
1959 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1960 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1961 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1962 kill a child process.
1963
1964 @menu
1965 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1966 * Starting:: Starting your program
1967 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1968 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1969
1970 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1971 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1972 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1973 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1974
1975 * Inferiors and Programs:: Debugging multiple inferiors and programs
1976 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1977 * Forks:: Debugging forks
1978 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1979 @end menu
1980
1981 @node Compilation
1982 @section Compiling for Debugging
1983
1984 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1985 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1986 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1987 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1988 and addresses in the executable code.
1989
1990 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1991 the compiler.
1992
1993 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1994 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, some
1995 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1996 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1997 executables containing debugging information.
1998
1999 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
2000 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
2001 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
2002 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
2003 in pushing your luck. For more information, see @ref{Optimized Code}.
2004
2005 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
2006 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
2007 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
2008
2009 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
2010 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
2011 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
2012 the @option{-g} flag alone. Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC},
2013 the @sc{gnu} C compiler, provides macro information if you are using
2014 the DWARF debugging format, and specify the option @option{-g3}.
2015
2016 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
2017 gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}, for more
2018 information on @value{NGCC} options affecting debug information.
2019
2020 You will have the best debugging experience if you use the latest
2021 version of the DWARF debugging format that your compiler supports.
2022 DWARF is currently the most expressive and best supported debugging
2023 format in @value{GDBN}.
2024
2025 @need 2000
2026 @node Starting
2027 @section Starting your Program
2028 @cindex starting
2029 @cindex running
2030
2031 @table @code
2032 @kindex run
2033 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
2034 @item run
2035 @itemx r
2036 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
2037 You must first specify the program name with an argument to
2038 @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
2039 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file}
2040 command (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
2041
2042 @end table
2043
2044 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
2045 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
2046 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
2047 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
2048 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
2049 message like this one:
2050
2051 @smallexample
2052 The "remote" target does not support "run".
2053 Try "help target" or "continue".
2054 @end smallexample
2055
2056 @noindent
2057 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
2058 first (@pxref{load}).
2059
2060 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
2061 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
2062 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
2063 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
2064 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
2065 divided into four categories:
2066
2067 @table @asis
2068 @item The @emph{arguments.}
2069 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
2070 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
2071 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
2072 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
2073 the arguments.
2074 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
2075 @code{SHELL} environment variable. If you do not define @code{SHELL},
2076 @value{GDBN} uses the default shell (@file{/bin/sh}). You can disable
2077 use of any shell with the @code{set startup-with-shell} command (see
2078 below for details).
2079
2080 @item The @emph{environment.}
2081 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
2082 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
2083 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
2084 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
2085
2086 @item The @emph{working directory.}
2087 You can set your program's working directory with the command
2088 @kbd{set cwd}. If you do not set any working directory with this
2089 command, your program will inherit @value{GDBN}'s working directory if
2090 native debugging, or the remote server's working directory if remote
2091 debugging. @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working
2092 Directory}.
2093
2094 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
2095 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
2096 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
2097 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
2098 set a different device for your program.
2099 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
2100
2101 @cindex pipes
2102 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
2103 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
2104 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
2105 wrong program.
2106 @end table
2107
2108 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
2109 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
2110 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
2111 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
2112 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
2113
2114 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
2115 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
2116 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
2117 your current breakpoints.
2118
2119 @table @code
2120 @kindex start
2121 @item start
2122 @cindex run to main procedure
2123 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
2124 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
2125 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
2126 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
2127 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
2128 procedure, depending on the language used.
2129
2130 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
2131 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
2132 the @samp{run} command.
2133
2134 @cindex elaboration phase
2135 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
2136 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
2137 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
2138 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
2139 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
2140 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
2141 will remain to halt execution.
2142
2143 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
2144 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
2145 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
2146 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
2147 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
2148
2149 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
2150 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution
2151 of your program too late, as the program would have already completed
2152 the elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, either insert
2153 breakpoints in your elaboration code before running your program or
2154 use the @code{starti} command.
2155
2156 @kindex starti
2157 @item starti
2158 @cindex run to first instruction
2159 The @samp{starti} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
2160 breakpoint at the first instruction of a program's execution and then
2161 invoking the @samp{run} command. For programs containing an
2162 elaboration phase, the @code{starti} command will stop execution at
2163 the start of the elaboration phase.
2164
2165 @anchor{set exec-wrapper}
2166 @kindex set exec-wrapper
2167 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
2168 @itemx show exec-wrapper
2169 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
2170 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
2171 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
2172 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
2173 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
2174 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
2175 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
2176 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
2177
2178 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
2179 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
2180 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
2181 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
2182
2183 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
2184 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
2185 environment:
2186
2187 @smallexample
2188 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
2189 (@value{GDBP}) run
2190 @end smallexample
2191
2192 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
2193 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2194
2195 @kindex set startup-with-shell
2196 @anchor{set startup-with-shell}
2197 @item set startup-with-shell
2198 @itemx set startup-with-shell on
2199 @itemx set startup-with-shell off
2200 @itemx show startup-with-shell
2201 On Unix systems, by default, if a shell is available on your target,
2202 @value{GDBN}) uses it to start your program. Arguments of the
2203 @code{run} command are passed to the shell, which does variable
2204 substitution, expands wildcard characters and performs redirection of
2205 I/O. In some circumstances, it may be useful to disable such use of a
2206 shell, for example, when debugging the shell itself or diagnosing
2207 startup failures such as:
2208
2209 @smallexample
2210 (@value{GDBP}) run
2211 Starting program: ./a.out
2212 During startup program terminated with signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
2213 @end smallexample
2214
2215 @noindent
2216 which indicates the shell or the wrapper specified with
2217 @samp{exec-wrapper} crashed, not your program. Most often, this is
2218 caused by something odd in your shell's non-interactive mode
2219 initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell,
2220 $@file{.zshenv} for the Z shell, or the file specified in the
2221 @samp{BASH_ENV} environment variable for BASH.
2222
2223 @anchor{set auto-connect-native-target}
2224 @kindex set auto-connect-native-target
2225 @item set auto-connect-native-target
2226 @itemx set auto-connect-native-target on
2227 @itemx set auto-connect-native-target off
2228 @itemx show auto-connect-native-target
2229
2230 By default, if not connected to any target yet (e.g., with
2231 @code{target remote}), the @code{run} command starts your program as a
2232 native process under @value{GDBN}, on your local machine. If you're
2233 sure you don't want to debug programs on your local machine, you can
2234 tell @value{GDBN} to not connect to the native target automatically
2235 with the @code{set auto-connect-native-target off} command.
2236
2237 If @code{on}, which is the default, and if @value{GDBN} is not
2238 connected to a target already, the @code{run} command automaticaly
2239 connects to the native target, if one is available.
2240
2241 If @code{off}, and if @value{GDBN} is not connected to a target
2242 already, the @code{run} command fails with an error:
2243
2244 @smallexample
2245 (@value{GDBP}) run
2246 Don't know how to run. Try "help target".
2247 @end smallexample
2248
2249 If @value{GDBN} is already connected to a target, @value{GDBN} always
2250 uses it with the @code{run} command.
2251
2252 In any case, you can explicitly connect to the native target with the
2253 @code{target native} command. For example,
2254
2255 @smallexample
2256 (@value{GDBP}) set auto-connect-native-target off
2257 (@value{GDBP}) run
2258 Don't know how to run. Try "help target".
2259 (@value{GDBP}) target native
2260 (@value{GDBP}) run
2261 Starting program: ./a.out
2262 [Inferior 1 (process 10421) exited normally]
2263 @end smallexample
2264
2265 In case you connected explicitly to the @code{native} target,
2266 @value{GDBN} remains connected even if all inferiors exit, ready for
2267 the next @code{run} command. Use the @code{disconnect} command to
2268 disconnect.
2269
2270 Examples of other commands that likewise respect the
2271 @code{auto-connect-native-target} setting: @code{attach}, @code{info
2272 proc}, @code{info os}.
2273
2274 @kindex set disable-randomization
2275 @item set disable-randomization
2276 @itemx set disable-randomization on
2277 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2278 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2279 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2280 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2281
2282 This feature is implemented only on certain targets, including @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2283 On @sc{gnu}/Linux you can get the same behavior using
2284
2285 @smallexample
2286 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2287 @end smallexample
2288
2289 @item set disable-randomization off
2290 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2291 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2292 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2293 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2294 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2295 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2296
2297 On targets where it is available, virtual address space randomization
2298 protects the programs against certain kinds of security attacks. In these
2299 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2300 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2301 a code at its expected addresses.
2302
2303 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2304 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2305 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2306 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2307 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2308 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2309 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2310 a randomly chosen address.
2311
2312 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2313 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2314 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2315 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2316 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2317
2318 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2319 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2320
2321 @item show disable-randomization
2322 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2323 the virtual address space of the started program.
2324
2325 @end table
2326
2327 @node Arguments
2328 @section Your Program's Arguments
2329
2330 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2331 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2332 @code{run} command.
2333 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2334 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2335 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2336 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2337 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2338
2339 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2340 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2341 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2342 the program, not by the shell.
2343
2344 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2345 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2346
2347 @table @code
2348 @kindex set args
2349 @item set args
2350 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2351 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2352 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2353 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2354 it again without arguments.
2355
2356 @kindex show args
2357 @item show args
2358 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2359 @end table
2360
2361 @node Environment
2362 @section Your Program's Environment
2363
2364 @cindex environment (of your program)
2365 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2366 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2367 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2368 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2369 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2370 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2371 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2372
2373 @table @code
2374 @kindex path
2375 @item path @var{directory}
2376 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2377 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2378 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2379 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2380 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2381 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2382 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2383
2384 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2385 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2386 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2387 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2388 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2389 @var{directory} to the search path.
2390 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2391 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2392
2393 @kindex show paths
2394 @item show paths
2395 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2396 environment variable).
2397
2398 @kindex show environment
2399 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2400 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2401 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2402 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2403 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2404
2405 @kindex set environment
2406 @anchor{set environment}
2407 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2408 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2409 changes for your program (and the shell @value{GDBN} uses to launch
2410 it), not for @value{GDBN} itself. The @var{value} may be any string; the
2411 values of environment variables are just strings, and any
2412 interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2413 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2414 null value.
2415 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2416 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2417
2418 For example, this command:
2419
2420 @smallexample
2421 set env USER = foo
2422 @end smallexample
2423
2424 @noindent
2425 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2426 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2427 are not actually required.)
2428
2429 Note that on Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program via a shell,
2430 which also inherits the environment set with @code{set environment}.
2431 If necessary, you can avoid that by using the @samp{env} program as a
2432 wrapper instead of using @code{set environment}. @xref{set
2433 exec-wrapper}, for an example doing just that.
2434
2435 Environment variables that are set by the user are also transmitted to
2436 @command{gdbserver} to be used when starting the remote inferior.
2437 @pxref{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}.
2438
2439 @kindex unset environment
2440 @anchor{unset environment}
2441 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2442 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2443 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2444 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2445 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2446
2447 Environment variables that are unset by the user are also unset on
2448 @command{gdbserver} when starting the remote inferior.
2449 @pxref{QEnvironmentUnset}.
2450 @end table
2451
2452 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2453 the shell indicated by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it
2454 exists (or @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable
2455 names a shell that runs an initialization file when started
2456 non-interactively---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, $@file{.zshenv}
2457 for the Z shell, or the file specified in the @samp{BASH_ENV}
2458 environment variable for BASH---any variables you set in that file
2459 affect your program. You may wish to move setting of environment
2460 variables to files that are only run when you sign on, such as
2461 @file{.login} or @file{.profile}.
2462
2463 @node Working Directory
2464 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2465
2466 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2467 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, the inferior will be
2468 initialized with the current working directory specified by the
2469 @kbd{set cwd} command. If no directory has been specified by this
2470 command, then the inferior will inherit @value{GDBN}'s current working
2471 directory as its working directory if native debugging, or it will
2472 inherit the remote server's current working directory if remote
2473 debugging.
2474
2475 @table @code
2476 @kindex set cwd
2477 @cindex change inferior's working directory
2478 @anchor{set cwd command}
2479 @item set cwd @r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
2480 Set the inferior's working directory to @var{directory}, which will be
2481 @code{glob}-expanded in order to resolve tildes (@file{~}). If no
2482 argument has been specified, the command clears the setting and resets
2483 it to an empty state. This setting has no effect on @value{GDBN}'s
2484 working directory, and it only takes effect the next time you start
2485 the inferior. The @file{~} in @var{directory} is a short for the
2486 @dfn{home directory}, usually pointed to by the @env{HOME} environment
2487 variable. On MS-Windows, if @env{HOME} is not defined, @value{GDBN}
2488 uses the concatenation of @env{HOMEDRIVE} and @env{HOMEPATH} as
2489 fallback.
2490
2491 You can also change @value{GDBN}'s current working directory by using
2492 the @code{cd} command.
2493 @xref{cd command}
2494
2495 @kindex show cwd
2496 @cindex show inferior's working directory
2497 @item show cwd
2498 Show the inferior's working directory. If no directory has been
2499 specified by @kbd{set cwd}, then the default inferior's working
2500 directory is the same as @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
2501
2502 @kindex cd
2503 @cindex change @value{GDBN}'s working directory
2504 @anchor{cd command}
2505 @item cd @r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
2506 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}. If not
2507 given, @var{directory} uses @file{'~'}.
2508
2509 The @value{GDBN} working directory serves as a default for the
2510 commands that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on.
2511 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
2512 @xref{set cwd command}
2513
2514 @kindex pwd
2515 @item pwd
2516 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2517 @end table
2518
2519 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2520 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2521 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2522 configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2523 proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2524 current working directory of the debuggee.
2525
2526 @node Input/Output
2527 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2528
2529 @cindex redirection
2530 @cindex i/o
2531 @cindex terminal
2532 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2533 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2534 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2535 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2536 running your program.
2537
2538 @table @code
2539 @kindex info terminal
2540 @item info terminal
2541 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2542 program is using.
2543 @end table
2544
2545 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2546 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2547
2548 @smallexample
2549 run > outfile
2550 @end smallexample
2551
2552 @noindent
2553 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2554
2555 @kindex tty
2556 @cindex controlling terminal
2557 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2558 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2559 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2560 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2561 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2562
2563 @smallexample
2564 tty /dev/ttyb
2565 @end smallexample
2566
2567 @noindent
2568 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2569 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2570 that as their controlling terminal.
2571
2572 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2573 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2574 terminal.
2575
2576 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2577 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2578 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2579 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2580
2581 @cindex inferior tty
2582 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2583 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2584 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2585 program.
2586
2587 @table @code
2588 @item set inferior-tty [ @var{tty} ]
2589 @kindex set inferior-tty
2590 Set the tty for the program being debugged to @var{tty}. Omitting @var{tty}
2591 restores the default behavior, which is to use the same terminal as
2592 @value{GDBN}.
2593
2594 @item show inferior-tty
2595 @kindex show inferior-tty
2596 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2597 @end table
2598
2599 @node Attach
2600 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2601 @kindex attach
2602 @cindex attach
2603
2604 @table @code
2605 @item attach @var{process-id}
2606 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2607 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2608 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2609 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2610 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2611
2612 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2613 executing the command.
2614 @end table
2615
2616 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2617 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2618 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2619 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2620
2621 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2622 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2623 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2624 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2625 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2626 Specify Files}.
2627
2628 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2629 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2630 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2631 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2632 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2633 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2634 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2635
2636 @table @code
2637 @kindex detach
2638 @item detach
2639 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2640 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2641 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2642 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2643 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2644 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2645 executing the command.
2646 @end table
2647
2648 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2649 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2650 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2651 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2652 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2653 Messages}).
2654
2655 @node Kill Process
2656 @section Killing the Child Process
2657
2658 @table @code
2659 @kindex kill
2660 @item kill
2661 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2662 @end table
2663
2664 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2665 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2666 is running.
2667
2668 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2669 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2670 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2671 outside the debugger.
2672
2673 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2674 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2675 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2676 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2677 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2678 breakpoint settings).
2679
2680 @node Inferiors and Programs
2681 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs
2682
2683 @value{GDBN} lets you run and debug multiple programs in a single
2684 session. In addition, @value{GDBN} on some systems may let you run
2685 several programs simultaneously (otherwise you have to exit from one
2686 before starting another). In the most general case, you can have
2687 multiple threads of execution in each of multiple processes, launched
2688 from multiple executables.
2689
2690 @cindex inferior
2691 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2692 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2693 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2694 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2695 may be retained after a process exits. Inferiors have unique
2696 identifiers that are different from process ids. Usually each
2697 inferior will also have its own distinct address space, although some
2698 embedded targets may have several inferiors running in different parts
2699 of a single address space. Each inferior may in turn have multiple
2700 threads running in it.
2701
2702 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @w{@code{info
2703 inferiors}}:
2704
2705 @table @code
2706 @kindex info inferiors
2707 @item info inferiors
2708 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2709
2710 @value{GDBN} displays for each inferior (in this order):
2711
2712 @enumerate
2713 @item
2714 the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2715
2716 @item
2717 the target system's inferior identifier
2718
2719 @item
2720 the name of the executable the inferior is running.
2721
2722 @end enumerate
2723
2724 @noindent
2725 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} inferior number
2726 indicates the current inferior.
2727
2728 For example,
2729 @end table
2730 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2731
2732 @smallexample
2733 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2734 Num Description Executable
2735 2 process 2307 hello
2736 * 1 process 3401 goodbye
2737 @end smallexample
2738
2739 To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
2740
2741 @table @code
2742 @kindex inferior @var{infno}
2743 @item inferior @var{infno}
2744 Make inferior number @var{infno} the current inferior. The argument
2745 @var{infno} is the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}, as shown
2746 in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors} display.
2747 @end table
2748
2749 @vindex $_inferior@r{, convenience variable}
2750 The debugger convenience variable @samp{$_inferior} contains the
2751 number of the current inferior. You may find this useful in writing
2752 breakpoint conditional expressions, command scripts, and so forth.
2753 @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for general
2754 information on convenience variables.
2755
2756 You can get multiple executables into a debugging session via the
2757 @code{add-inferior} and @w{@code{clone-inferior}} commands. On some
2758 systems @value{GDBN} can add inferiors to the debug session
2759 automatically by following calls to @code{fork} and @code{exec}. To
2760 remove inferiors from the debugging session use the
2761 @w{@code{remove-inferiors}} command.
2762
2763 @table @code
2764 @kindex add-inferior
2765 @item add-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ -exec @var{executable} ]
2766 Adds @var{n} inferiors to be run using @var{executable} as the
2767 executable; @var{n} defaults to 1. If no executable is specified,
2768 the inferiors begins empty, with no program. You can still assign or
2769 change the program assigned to the inferior at any time by using the
2770 @code{file} command with the executable name as its argument.
2771
2772 @kindex clone-inferior
2773 @item clone-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ @var{infno} ]
2774 Adds @var{n} inferiors ready to execute the same program as inferior
2775 @var{infno}; @var{n} defaults to 1, and @var{infno} defaults to the
2776 number of the current inferior. This is a convenient command when you
2777 want to run another instance of the inferior you are debugging.
2778
2779 @smallexample
2780 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2781 Num Description Executable
2782 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2783 (@value{GDBP}) clone-inferior
2784 Added inferior 2.
2785 1 inferiors added.
2786 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2787 Num Description Executable
2788 2 <null> helloworld
2789 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2790 @end smallexample
2791
2792 You can now simply switch focus to inferior 2 and run it.
2793
2794 @kindex remove-inferiors
2795 @item remove-inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2796 Removes the inferior or inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}. It is not
2797 possible to remove an inferior that is running with this command. For
2798 those, use the @code{kill} or @code{detach} command first.
2799
2800 @end table
2801
2802 To quit debugging one of the running inferiors that is not the current
2803 inferior, you can either detach from it by using the @w{@code{detach
2804 inferior}} command (allowing it to run independently), or kill it
2805 using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}} command:
2806
2807 @table @code
2808 @kindex detach inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2809 @item detach inferior @var{infno}@dots{}
2810 Detach from the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN}
2811 inferior number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry
2812 still stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors},
2813 but its Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2814
2815 @kindex kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2816 @item kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2817 Kill the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN} inferior
2818 number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry still
2819 stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors}, but its
2820 Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2821 @end table
2822
2823 After the successful completion of a command such as @code{detach},
2824 @code{detach inferiors}, @code{kill} or @code{kill inferiors}, or after
2825 a normal process exit, the inferior is still valid and listed with
2826 @code{info inferiors}, ready to be restarted.
2827
2828
2829 To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
2830 control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
2831
2832 @table @code
2833 @kindex set print inferior-events
2834 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2835 @item set print inferior-events
2836 @itemx set print inferior-events on
2837 @itemx set print inferior-events off
2838 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2839 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2840 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2841 detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2842
2843 @kindex show print inferior-events
2844 @item show print inferior-events
2845 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2846 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2847 @end table
2848
2849 Many commands will work the same with multiple programs as with a
2850 single program: e.g., @code{print myglobal} will simply display the
2851 value of @code{myglobal} in the current inferior.
2852
2853
2854 Occasionaly, when debugging @value{GDBN} itself, it may be useful to
2855 get more info about the relationship of inferiors, programs, address
2856 spaces in a debug session. You can do that with the @w{@code{maint
2857 info program-spaces}} command.
2858
2859 @table @code
2860 @kindex maint info program-spaces
2861 @item maint info program-spaces
2862 Print a list of all program spaces currently being managed by
2863 @value{GDBN}.
2864
2865 @value{GDBN} displays for each program space (in this order):
2866
2867 @enumerate
2868 @item
2869 the program space number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2870
2871 @item
2872 the name of the executable loaded into the program space, with e.g.,
2873 the @code{file} command.
2874
2875 @end enumerate
2876
2877 @noindent
2878 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} program space number
2879 indicates the current program space.
2880
2881 In addition, below each program space line, @value{GDBN} prints extra
2882 information that isn't suitable to display in tabular form. For
2883 example, the list of inferiors bound to the program space.
2884
2885 @smallexample
2886 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2887 Id Executable
2888 * 1 hello
2889 2 goodbye
2890 Bound inferiors: ID 1 (process 21561)
2891 @end smallexample
2892
2893 Here we can see that no inferior is running the program @code{hello},
2894 while @code{process 21561} is running the program @code{goodbye}. On
2895 some targets, it is possible that multiple inferiors are bound to the
2896 same program space. The most common example is that of debugging both
2897 the parent and child processes of a @code{vfork} call. For example,
2898
2899 @smallexample
2900 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2901 Id Executable
2902 * 1 vfork-test
2903 Bound inferiors: ID 2 (process 18050), ID 1 (process 18045)
2904 @end smallexample
2905
2906 Here, both inferior 2 and inferior 1 are running in the same program
2907 space as a result of inferior 1 having executed a @code{vfork} call.
2908 @end table
2909
2910 @node Threads
2911 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2912
2913 @cindex threads of execution
2914 @cindex multiple threads
2915 @cindex switching threads
2916 In some operating systems, such as GNU/Linux and Solaris, a single program
2917 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2918 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2919 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2920 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2921 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2922 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2923
2924 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2925 programs:
2926
2927 @itemize @bullet
2928 @item automatic notification of new threads
2929 @item @samp{thread @var{thread-id}}, a command to switch among threads
2930 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2931 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{thread-id-list}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2932 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2933 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2934 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2935 messages on thread start and exit.
2936 @item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
2937 the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
2938 isn't compatible with the program.
2939 @end itemize
2940
2941 @cindex focus of debugging
2942 @cindex current thread
2943 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2944 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2945 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2946 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2947 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2948
2949 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2950 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2951 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2952 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2953 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2954 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2955 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2956 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}, where @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2957 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2958 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2959
2960 @smallexample
2961 [New Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 25582)]
2962 @end smallexample
2963
2964 @noindent
2965 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on other systems,
2966 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2967 further qualifier.
2968
2969 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2970 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2971 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2972 @c program?
2973 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2974 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2975 @c threads ab initio?
2976
2977 @anchor{thread numbers}
2978 @cindex thread number, per inferior
2979 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2980 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread number
2981 ---always a single integer---with each thread of an inferior. This
2982 number is unique between all threads of an inferior, but not unique
2983 between threads of different inferiors.
2984
2985 @cindex qualified thread ID
2986 You can refer to a given thread in an inferior using the qualified
2987 @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} syntax, also known as
2988 @dfn{qualified thread ID}, with @var{inferior-num} being the inferior
2989 number and @var{thread-num} being the thread number of the given
2990 inferior. For example, thread @code{2.3} refers to thread number 3 of
2991 inferior 2. If you omit @var{inferior-num} (e.g., @code{thread 3}),
2992 then @value{GDBN} infers you're referring to a thread of the current
2993 inferior.
2994
2995 Until you create a second inferior, @value{GDBN} does not show the
2996 @var{inferior-num} part of thread IDs, even though you can always use
2997 the full @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} form to refer to threads
2998 of inferior 1, the initial inferior.
2999
3000 @anchor{thread ID lists}
3001 @cindex thread ID lists
3002 Some commands accept a space-separated @dfn{thread ID list} as
3003 argument. A list element can be:
3004
3005 @enumerate
3006 @item
3007 A thread ID as shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads}
3008 display, with or without an inferior qualifier. E.g., @samp{2.1} or
3009 @samp{1}.
3010
3011 @item
3012 A range of thread numbers, again with or without an inferior
3013 qualifier, as in @var{inf}.@var{thr1}-@var{thr2} or
3014 @var{thr1}-@var{thr2}. E.g., @samp{1.2-4} or @samp{2-4}.
3015
3016 @item
3017 All threads of an inferior, specified with a star wildcard, with or
3018 without an inferior qualifier, as in @var{inf}.@code{*} (e.g.,
3019 @samp{1.*}) or @code{*}. The former refers to all threads of the
3020 given inferior, and the latter form without an inferior qualifier
3021 refers to all threads of the current inferior.
3022
3023 @end enumerate
3024
3025 For example, if the current inferior is 1, and inferior 7 has one
3026 thread with ID 7.1, the thread list @samp{1 2-3 4.5 6.7-9 7.*}
3027 includes threads 1 to 3 of inferior 1, thread 5 of inferior 4, threads
3028 7 to 9 of inferior 6 and all threads of inferior 7. That is, in
3029 expanded qualified form, the same as @samp{1.1 1.2 1.3 4.5 6.7 6.8 6.9
3030 7.1}.
3031
3032
3033 @anchor{global thread numbers}
3034 @cindex global thread number
3035 @cindex global thread identifier (GDB)
3036 In addition to a @emph{per-inferior} number, each thread is also
3037 assigned a unique @emph{global} number, also known as @dfn{global
3038 thread ID}, a single integer. Unlike the thread number component of
3039 the thread ID, no two threads have the same global ID, even when
3040 you're debugging multiple inferiors.
3041
3042 From @value{GDBN}'s perspective, a process always has at least one
3043 thread. In other words, @value{GDBN} assigns a thread number to the
3044 program's ``main thread'' even if the program is not multi-threaded.
3045
3046 @vindex $_thread@r{, convenience variable}
3047 @vindex $_gthread@r{, convenience variable}
3048 The debugger convenience variables @samp{$_thread} and
3049 @samp{$_gthread} contain, respectively, the per-inferior thread number
3050 and the global thread number of the current thread. You may find this
3051 useful in writing breakpoint conditional expressions, command scripts,
3052 and so forth. @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for
3053 general information on convenience variables.
3054
3055 If @value{GDBN} detects the program is multi-threaded, it augments the
3056 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint with the ID and name of
3057 the thread that hit the breakpoint.
3058
3059 @smallexample
3060 Thread 2 "client" hit Breakpoint 1, send_message () at client.c:68
3061 @end smallexample
3062
3063 Likewise when the program receives a signal:
3064
3065 @smallexample
3066 Thread 1 "main" received signal SIGINT, Interrupt.
3067 @end smallexample
3068
3069 @table @code
3070 @kindex info threads
3071 @item info threads @r{[}@var{thread-id-list}@r{]}
3072
3073 Display information about one or more threads. With no arguments
3074 displays information about all threads. You can specify the list of
3075 threads that you want to display using the thread ID list syntax
3076 (@pxref{thread ID lists}).
3077
3078 @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
3079
3080 @enumerate
3081 @item
3082 the per-inferior thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
3083
3084 @item
3085 the global thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}, if the @samp{-gid}
3086 option was specified
3087
3088 @item
3089 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
3090
3091 @item
3092 the thread's name, if one is known. A thread can either be named by
3093 the user (see @code{thread name}, below), or, in some cases, by the
3094 program itself.
3095
3096 @item
3097 the current stack frame summary for that thread
3098 @end enumerate
3099
3100 @noindent
3101 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
3102 indicates the current thread.
3103
3104 For example,
3105 @end table
3106 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
3107
3108 @smallexample
3109 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
3110 Id Target Id Frame
3111 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
3112 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3113 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3114 at threadtest.c:68
3115 @end smallexample
3116
3117 If you're debugging multiple inferiors, @value{GDBN} displays thread
3118 IDs using the qualified @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} format.
3119 Otherwise, only @var{thread-num} is shown.
3120
3121 If you specify the @samp{-gid} option, @value{GDBN} displays a column
3122 indicating each thread's global thread ID:
3123
3124 @smallexample
3125 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
3126 Id GId Target Id Frame
3127 1.1 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
3128 1.2 3 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3129 1.3 4 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3130 * 2.1 2 process 65 thread 1 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
3131 @end smallexample
3132
3133 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
3134 Solaris-specific command:
3135
3136 @table @code
3137 @item maint info sol-threads
3138 @kindex maint info sol-threads
3139 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
3140 Display info on Solaris user threads.
3141 @end table
3142
3143 @table @code
3144 @kindex thread @var{thread-id}
3145 @item thread @var{thread-id}
3146 Make thread ID @var{thread-id} the current thread. The command
3147 argument @var{thread-id} is the @value{GDBN} thread ID, as shown in
3148 the first field of the @samp{info threads} display, with or without an
3149 inferior qualifier (e.g., @samp{2.1} or @samp{1}).
3150
3151 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the
3152 thread you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
3153
3154 @smallexample
3155 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
3156 [Switching to thread 2 (Thread 0xb7fdab70 (LWP 12747))]
3157 #0 some_function (ignore=0x0) at example.c:8
3158 8 printf ("hello\n");
3159 @end smallexample
3160
3161 @noindent
3162 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
3163 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
3164 threads.
3165
3166 @kindex thread apply
3167 @cindex apply command to several threads
3168 @item thread apply [@var{thread-id-list} | all [-ascending]] @var{command}
3169 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
3170 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the threads that you
3171 want affected using the thread ID list syntax (@pxref{thread ID
3172 lists}), or specify @code{all} to apply to all threads. To apply a
3173 command to all threads in descending order, type @kbd{thread apply all
3174 @var{command}}. To apply a command to all threads in ascending order,
3175 type @kbd{thread apply all -ascending @var{command}}.
3176
3177
3178 @kindex thread name
3179 @cindex name a thread
3180 @item thread name [@var{name}]
3181 This command assigns a name to the current thread. If no argument is
3182 given, any existing user-specified name is removed. The thread name
3183 appears in the @samp{info threads} display.
3184
3185 On some systems, such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, @value{GDBN} is able to
3186 determine the name of the thread as given by the OS. On these
3187 systems, a name specified with @samp{thread name} will override the
3188 system-give name, and removing the user-specified name will cause
3189 @value{GDBN} to once again display the system-specified name.
3190
3191 @kindex thread find
3192 @cindex search for a thread
3193 @item thread find [@var{regexp}]
3194 Search for and display thread ids whose name or @var{systag}
3195 matches the supplied regular expression.
3196
3197 As well as being the complement to the @samp{thread name} command,
3198 this command also allows you to identify a thread by its target
3199 @var{systag}. For instance, on @sc{gnu}/Linux, the target @var{systag}
3200 is the LWP id.
3201
3202 @smallexample
3203 (@value{GDBN}) thread find 26688
3204 Thread 4 has target id 'Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688)'
3205 (@value{GDBN}) info thread 4
3206 Id Target Id Frame
3207 4 Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688) 0x00000031ca6cd372 in select ()
3208 @end smallexample
3209
3210 @kindex set print thread-events
3211 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
3212 @item set print thread-events
3213 @itemx set print thread-events on
3214 @itemx set print thread-events off
3215 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
3216 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
3217 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
3218 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
3219 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
3220
3221 @kindex show print thread-events
3222 @item show print thread-events
3223 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
3224 have started and exited.
3225 @end table
3226
3227 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
3228 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
3229 programs with multiple threads.
3230
3231 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
3232 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
3233
3234 @anchor{set libthread-db-search-path}
3235 @table @code
3236 @kindex set libthread-db-search-path
3237 @cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
3238 @item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
3239 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
3240 directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
3241 If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
3242 its default value (@code{$sdir:$pdir} on @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems).
3243 Internally, the default value comes from the @code{LIBTHREAD_DB_SEARCH_PATH}
3244 macro.
3245
3246 On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
3247 @code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
3248 inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3249 to find @code{libthread_db}. @value{GDBN} also consults first if inferior
3250 specific thread debugging library loading is enabled
3251 by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
3252
3253 A special entry @samp{$sdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3254 refers to the default system directories that are
3255 normally searched for loading shared libraries. The @samp{$sdir} entry
3256 is the only kind not needing to be enabled by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db}
3257 (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
3258
3259 A special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3260 refers to the directory from which @code{libpthread}
3261 was loaded in the inferior process.
3262
3263 For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
3264 @value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
3265 If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
3266 mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
3267 will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
3268 If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
3269 @value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
3270
3271 Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
3272 only on some platforms.
3273
3274 @kindex show libthread-db-search-path
3275 @item show libthread-db-search-path
3276 Display current libthread_db search path.
3277
3278 @kindex set debug libthread-db
3279 @kindex show debug libthread-db
3280 @cindex debugging @code{libthread_db}
3281 @item set debug libthread-db
3282 @itemx show debug libthread-db
3283 Turns on or off display of @code{libthread_db}-related events.
3284 Use @code{1} to enable, @code{0} to disable.
3285 @end table
3286
3287 @node Forks
3288 @section Debugging Forks
3289
3290 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
3291 @cindex multiple processes
3292 @cindex processes, multiple
3293 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
3294 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
3295 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
3296 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
3297 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
3298 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
3299 will cause it to terminate.
3300
3301 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
3302 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
3303 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
3304 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
3305 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
3306 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
3307 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
3308 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
3309 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
3310 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
3311
3312 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs
3313 that create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork}
3314 functions. On @sc{gnu}/Linux platforms, this feature is supported
3315 with kernel version 2.5.46 and later.
3316
3317 The fork debugging commands are supported in native mode and when
3318 connected to @code{gdbserver} in either @code{target remote} mode or
3319 @code{target extended-remote} mode.
3320
3321 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
3322 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
3323
3324 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
3325 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
3326
3327 @table @code
3328 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
3329 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
3330 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
3331 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
3332 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
3333
3334 @table @code
3335 @item parent
3336 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
3337 unimpeded. This is the default.
3338
3339 @item child
3340 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
3341 unimpeded.
3342
3343 @end table
3344
3345 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
3346 @item show follow-fork-mode
3347 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
3348 @end table
3349
3350 @cindex debugging multiple processes
3351 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
3352 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
3353
3354 @table @code
3355 @kindex set detach-on-fork
3356 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
3357 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
3358 retain debugger control over them both.
3359
3360 @table @code
3361 @item on
3362 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
3363 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
3364 independently. This is the default.
3365
3366 @item off
3367 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
3368 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
3369 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
3370 is held suspended.
3371
3372 @end table
3373
3374 @kindex show detach-on-fork
3375 @item show detach-on-fork
3376 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
3377 @end table
3378
3379 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
3380 will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
3381 You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
3382 using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
3383 to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors and
3384 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}).
3385
3386 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
3387 from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferiors}} command (allowing it
3388 to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}}
3389 command. @xref{Inferiors and Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors
3390 and Programs}.
3391
3392 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
3393 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
3394 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
3395 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
3396 the child process's @code{main}.
3397
3398 On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
3399 cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
3400
3401 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
3402 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent
3403 process, use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name
3404 as its argument. By default, after an @code{exec} call executes,
3405 @value{GDBN} discards the symbols of the previous executable image.
3406 You can change this behaviour with the @w{@code{set follow-exec-mode}}
3407 command.
3408
3409 @table @code
3410 @kindex set follow-exec-mode
3411 @item set follow-exec-mode @var{mode}
3412
3413 Set debugger response to a program call of @code{exec}. An
3414 @code{exec} call replaces the program image of a process.
3415
3416 @code{follow-exec-mode} can be:
3417
3418 @table @code
3419 @item new
3420 @value{GDBN} creates a new inferior and rebinds the process to this
3421 new inferior. The program the process was running before the
3422 @code{exec} call can be restarted afterwards by restarting the
3423 original inferior.
3424
3425 For example:
3426
3427 @smallexample
3428 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3429 (gdb) info inferior
3430 Id Description Executable
3431 * 1 <null> prog1
3432 (@value{GDBP}) run
3433 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3434 Program exited normally.
3435 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3436 Id Description Executable
3437 1 <null> prog1
3438 * 2 <null> prog2
3439 @end smallexample
3440
3441 @item same
3442 @value{GDBN} keeps the process bound to the same inferior. The new
3443 executable image replaces the previous executable loaded in the
3444 inferior. Restarting the inferior after the @code{exec} call, with
3445 e.g., the @code{run} command, restarts the executable the process was
3446 running after the @code{exec} call. This is the default mode.
3447
3448 For example:
3449
3450 @smallexample
3451 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3452 Id Description Executable
3453 * 1 <null> prog1
3454 (@value{GDBP}) run
3455 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3456 Program exited normally.
3457 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3458 Id Description Executable
3459 * 1 <null> prog2
3460 @end smallexample
3461
3462 @end table
3463 @end table
3464
3465 @code{follow-exec-mode} is supported in native mode and
3466 @code{target extended-remote} mode.
3467
3468 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
3469 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
3470 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
3471
3472 @node Checkpoint/Restart
3473 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
3474
3475 @cindex checkpoint
3476 @cindex restart
3477 @cindex bookmark
3478 @cindex snapshot of a process
3479 @cindex rewind program state
3480
3481 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
3482 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
3483 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
3484 later.
3485
3486 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
3487 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
3488 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
3489 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
3490 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
3491
3492 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
3493 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
3494 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
3495 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
3496 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
3497 start again from there.
3498
3499 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
3500 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
3501
3502 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
3503
3504 @table @code
3505 @kindex checkpoint
3506 @item checkpoint
3507 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
3508 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
3509 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
3510
3511 @kindex info checkpoints
3512 @item info checkpoints
3513 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
3514 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
3515 listed:
3516
3517 @table @code
3518 @item Checkpoint ID
3519 @item Process ID
3520 @item Code Address
3521 @item Source line, or label
3522 @end table
3523
3524 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3525 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3526 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
3527 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
3528 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
3529 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
3530 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
3531
3532 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
3533 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
3534 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
3535 the debugger.
3536
3537 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3538 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3539 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
3540
3541 @end table
3542
3543 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
3544 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
3545 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
3546 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
3547 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
3548 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
3549 previously read data can be read again.
3550
3551 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
3552 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
3553 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
3554 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
3555 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
3556 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
3557
3558 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
3559 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
3560 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
3561 different execution path this time.
3562
3563 @cindex checkpoints and process id
3564 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
3565 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
3566 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
3567 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
3568 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
3569 potentially pose a problem.
3570
3571 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
3572
3573 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
3574 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
3575 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
3576 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
3577 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
3578 next.
3579
3580 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
3581 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
3582 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
3583 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
3584 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
3585
3586 @node Stopping
3587 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
3588
3589 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
3590 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
3591 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
3592
3593 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
3594 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
3595 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
3596 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
3597 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
3598 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
3599 explicitly request this information at any time.
3600
3601 @table @code
3602 @kindex info program
3603 @item info program
3604 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
3605 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
3606 @end table
3607
3608 @menu
3609 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
3610 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
3611 * Skipping Over Functions and Files::
3612 Skipping over functions and files
3613 * Signals:: Signals
3614 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
3615 @end menu
3616
3617 @node Breakpoints
3618 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
3619
3620 @cindex breakpoints
3621 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
3622 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
3623 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
3624 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
3625 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
3626 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
3627 program.
3628
3629 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
3630 the executable is run.
3631
3632 @cindex watchpoints
3633 @cindex data breakpoints
3634 @cindex memory tracing
3635 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
3636 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
3637 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
3638 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
3639 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
3640 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
3641 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
3642 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
3643 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
3644 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
3645 same commands.
3646
3647 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
3648 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
3649 Automatic Display}.
3650
3651 @cindex catchpoints
3652 @cindex breakpoint on events
3653 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
3654 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
3655 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
3656 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
3657 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
3658 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
3659 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3660
3661 @cindex breakpoint numbers
3662 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
3663 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3664 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
3665 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
3666 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3667 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3668 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3669 enable it again.
3670
3671 @cindex breakpoint ranges
3672 @cindex breakpoint lists
3673 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
3674 @cindex lists of breakpoints
3675 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a space-separated list of breakpoints
3676 on which to operate. A list element can be either a single breakpoint number,
3677 like @samp{5}, or a range of such numbers, like @samp{5-7}.
3678 When a breakpoint list is given to a command, all breakpoints in that list
3679 are operated on.
3680
3681 @menu
3682 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3683 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3684 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3685 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3686 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3687 * Conditions:: Break conditions
3688 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3689 * Dynamic Printf:: Dynamic printf
3690 * Save Breakpoints:: How to save breakpoints in a file
3691 * Static Probe Points:: Listing static probe points
3692 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3693 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3694 @end menu
3695
3696 @node Set Breaks
3697 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
3698
3699 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3700 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3701 @c
3702 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3703
3704 @kindex break
3705 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3706 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3707 @cindex latest breakpoint
3708 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3709 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3710 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3711 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3712 convenience variables.
3713
3714 @table @code
3715 @item break @var{location}
3716 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3717 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3718 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3719 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3720 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3721
3722 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3723 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3724 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3725 that situation.
3726
3727 It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
3728 only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
3729 or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
3730
3731 @item break
3732 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3733 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3734 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3735 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3736 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3737 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3738 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3739 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3740 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3741 inside loops.
3742
3743 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3744 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3745 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3746 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3747 existed when your program stopped.
3748
3749 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3750 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3751 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3752 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3753 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3754 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3755 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3756
3757 @kindex tbreak
3758 @item tbreak @var{args}
3759 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. The @var{args} are the
3760 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3761 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3762 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3763
3764 @kindex hbreak
3765 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3766 @item hbreak @var{args}
3767 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. The @var{args} are the same as for the
3768 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3769 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3770 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3771 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3772 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3773 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3774 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3775 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3776 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3777 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3778 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3779 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3780 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3781 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3782 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3783 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3784 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3785
3786 @kindex thbreak
3787 @item thbreak @var{args}
3788 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. The @var{args}
3789 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3790 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3791 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3792 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3793 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3794 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3795 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3796
3797 @kindex rbreak
3798 @cindex regular expression
3799 @cindex breakpoints at functions matching a regexp
3800 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3801 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3802 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3803 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3804 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3805 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3806 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3807 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3808
3809 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3810 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3811 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3812 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3813 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3814 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3815
3816 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3817 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3818 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3819 classes.
3820
3821 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3822 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3823 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3824
3825 @smallexample
3826 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3827 @end smallexample
3828
3829 @item rbreak @var{file}:@var{regex}
3830 If @code{rbreak} is called with a filename qualification, it limits
3831 the search for functions matching the given regular expression to the
3832 specified @var{file}. This can be used, for example, to set breakpoints on
3833 every function in a given file:
3834
3835 @smallexample
3836 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak file.c:.
3837 @end smallexample
3838
3839 The colon separating the filename qualifier from the regex may
3840 optionally be surrounded by spaces.
3841
3842 @kindex info breakpoints
3843 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3844 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
3845 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
3846 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3847 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3848 about the specified breakpoint(s) (or watchpoint(s) or catchpoint(s)).
3849 For each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3850
3851 @table @emph
3852 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3853 @item Type
3854 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3855 @item Disposition
3856 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3857 @item Enabled or Disabled
3858 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3859 that are not enabled.
3860 @item Address
3861 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3862 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3863 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3864 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3865 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3866 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3867 @item What
3868 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3869 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3870 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3871 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3872 @end table
3873
3874 @noindent
3875 If a breakpoint is conditional, there are two evaluation modes: ``host'' and
3876 ``target''. If mode is ``host'', breakpoint condition evaluation is done by
3877 @value{GDBN} on the host's side. If it is ``target'', then the condition
3878 is evaluated by the target. The @code{info break} command shows
3879 the condition on the line following the affected breakpoint, together with
3880 its condition evaluation mode in between parentheses.
3881
3882 Breakpoint commands, if any, are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is
3883 allowed to have a condition specified for it. The condition is not parsed for
3884 validity until a shared library is loaded that allows the pending
3885 breakpoint to resolve to a valid location.
3886
3887 @noindent
3888 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3889 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3890 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3891 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3892 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3893
3894 @noindent
3895 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3896 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3897 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3898 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3899 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3900 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3901
3902 @noindent
3903 For a breakpoints with an enable count (xref) greater than 1,
3904 @code{info break} also displays that count.
3905
3906 @end table
3907
3908 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3909 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3910 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3911 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3912
3913 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3914 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3915 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3916 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3917
3918 @itemize @bullet
3919 @item
3920 Multiple functions in the program may have the same name.
3921
3922 @item
3923 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3924 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3925
3926 @item
3927 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3928 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3929
3930 @item
3931 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3932 several places where that function is inlined.
3933 @end itemize
3934
3935 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3936 the relevant locations.
3937
3938 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3939 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3940 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3941 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3942 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3943 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3944 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3945
3946 For example:
3947
3948 @smallexample
3949 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
3950 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3951 stop only if i==1
3952 breakpoint already hit 1 time
3953 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
3954 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3955 @end smallexample
3956
3957 You cannot delete the individual locations from a breakpoint. However,
3958 each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3959 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3960 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. It's also possible to
3961 @code{enable} and @code{disable} a range of @var{location-number}
3962 locations using a @var{breakpoint-number} and two @var{location-number}s,
3963 in increasing order, separated by a hyphen, like
3964 @kbd{@var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number1}-@var{location-number2}},
3965 in which case @value{GDBN} acts on all the locations in the range (inclusive).
3966 Disabling or enabling the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects
3967 all of the locations that belong to that breakpoint.
3968
3969 @cindex pending breakpoints
3970 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3971 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3972 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3973 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3974 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3975 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3976 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3977 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3978 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3979 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3980 is not yet resolved.
3981
3982 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3983 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3984 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3985 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3986 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3987 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3988
3989 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3990 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3991 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3992 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3993
3994 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3995 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3996 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3997
3998 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3999 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
4000 address specification to an address:
4001
4002 @kindex set breakpoint pending
4003 @kindex show breakpoint pending
4004 @table @code
4005 @item set breakpoint pending auto
4006 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
4007 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
4008
4009 @item set breakpoint pending on
4010 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
4011 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
4012
4013 @item set breakpoint pending off
4014 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
4015 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
4016 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
4017
4018 @item show breakpoint pending
4019 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
4020 @end table
4021
4022 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
4023 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
4024 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
4025
4026 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
4027 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
4028 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
4029 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
4030 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
4031 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
4032 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
4033 breakpoints.
4034
4035 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands:
4036
4037 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
4038 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
4039 @table @code
4040 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
4041 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
4042 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
4043 breakpoint must be used.
4044
4045 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
4046 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
4047 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
4048 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
4049 @end table
4050
4051 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
4052 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
4053 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
4054 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
4055 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
4056 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
4057 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
4058 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
4059 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
4060
4061 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
4062 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
4063 @table @code
4064 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
4065 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
4066 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
4067 removed from the target when it stops. This is the default mode.
4068
4069 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
4070 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
4071 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
4072 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
4073 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is deleted.
4074 @end table
4075
4076 @value{GDBN} handles conditional breakpoints by evaluating these conditions
4077 when a breakpoint breaks. If the condition is true, then the process being
4078 debugged stops, otherwise the process is resumed.
4079
4080 If the target supports evaluating conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} may
4081 download the breakpoint, together with its conditions, to it.
4082
4083 This feature can be controlled via the following commands:
4084
4085 @kindex set breakpoint condition-evaluation
4086 @kindex show breakpoint condition-evaluation
4087 @table @code
4088 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation host
4089 This option commands @value{GDBN} to evaluate the breakpoint
4090 conditions on the host's side. Unconditional breakpoints are sent to
4091 the target which in turn receives the triggers and reports them back to GDB
4092 for condition evaluation. This is the standard evaluation mode.
4093
4094 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation target
4095 This option commands @value{GDBN} to download breakpoint conditions
4096 to the target at the moment of their insertion. The target
4097 is responsible for evaluating the conditional expression and reporting
4098 breakpoint stop events back to @value{GDBN} whenever the condition
4099 is true. Due to limitations of target-side evaluation, some conditions
4100 cannot be evaluated there, e.g., conditions that depend on local data
4101 that is only known to the host. Examples include
4102 conditional expressions involving convenience variables, complex types
4103 that cannot be handled by the agent expression parser and expressions
4104 that are too long to be sent over to the target, specially when the
4105 target is a remote system. In these cases, the conditions will be
4106 evaluated by @value{GDBN}.
4107
4108 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation auto
4109 This is the default mode. If the target supports evaluating breakpoint
4110 conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} will download breakpoint conditions to
4111 the target (limitations mentioned previously apply). If the target does
4112 not support breakpoint condition evaluation, then @value{GDBN} will fallback
4113 to evaluating all these conditions on the host's side.
4114 @end table
4115
4116
4117 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
4118 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
4119 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
4120 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
4121 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
4122 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
4123 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
4124 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
4125
4126
4127 @node Set Watchpoints
4128 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
4129
4130 @cindex setting watchpoints
4131 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
4132 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
4133 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
4134 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
4135 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
4136
4137 @itemize @bullet
4138 @item
4139 A reference to the value of a single variable.
4140
4141 @item
4142 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
4143 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
4144 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
4145
4146 @item
4147 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
4148 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
4149 language (@pxref{Languages}).
4150 @end itemize
4151
4152 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
4153 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
4154 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
4155 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
4156 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
4157 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
4158 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
4159 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
4160 the expression changes.
4161
4162 @cindex software watchpoints
4163 @cindex hardware watchpoints
4164 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
4165 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
4166 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
4167 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
4168 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
4169 culprit.)
4170
4171 On some systems, such as most PowerPC or x86-based targets,
4172 @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware watchpoints, which do not
4173 slow down the running of your program.
4174
4175 @table @code
4176 @kindex watch
4177 @item watch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
4178 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
4179 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
4180 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
4181 to watch the value of a single variable:
4182
4183 @smallexample
4184 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
4185 @end smallexample
4186
4187 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]}}
4188 argument, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
4189 @var{thread-id} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
4190 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
4191 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
4192 with Hardware Watchpoints.
4193
4194 Ordinarily a watchpoint respects the scope of variables in @var{expr}
4195 (see below). The @code{-location} argument tells @value{GDBN} to
4196 instead watch the memory referred to by @var{expr}. In this case,
4197 @value{GDBN} will evaluate @var{expr}, take the address of the result,
4198 and watch the memory at that address. The type of the result is used
4199 to determine the size of the watched memory. If the expression's
4200 result does not have an address, then @value{GDBN} will print an
4201 error.
4202
4203 The @code{@r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}} argument allows creation
4204 of masked watchpoints, if the current architecture supports this
4205 feature (e.g., PowerPC Embedded architecture, see @ref{PowerPC
4206 Embedded}.) A @dfn{masked watchpoint} specifies a mask in addition
4207 to an address to watch. The mask specifies that some bits of an address
4208 (the bits which are reset in the mask) should be ignored when matching
4209 the address accessed by the inferior against the watchpoint address.
4210 Thus, a masked watchpoint watches many addresses simultaneously---those
4211 addresses whose unmasked bits are identical to the unmasked bits in the
4212 watchpoint address. The @code{mask} argument implies @code{-location}.
4213 Examples:
4214
4215 @smallexample
4216 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo mask 0xffff00ff
4217 (@value{GDBP}) watch *0xdeadbeef mask 0xffffff00
4218 @end smallexample
4219
4220 @kindex rwatch
4221 @item rwatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
4222 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
4223 by the program.
4224
4225 @kindex awatch
4226 @item awatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
4227 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
4228 or written into by the program.
4229
4230 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4231 @item info watchpoints @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4232 This command prints a list of watchpoints, using the same format as
4233 @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
4234 @end table
4235
4236 If you watch for a change in a numerically entered address you need to
4237 dereference it, as the address itself is just a constant number which will
4238 never change. @value{GDBN} refuses to create a watchpoint that watches
4239 a never-changing value:
4240
4241 @smallexample
4242 (@value{GDBP}) watch 0x600850
4243 Cannot watch constant value 0x600850.
4244 (@value{GDBP}) watch *(int *) 0x600850
4245 Watchpoint 1: *(int *) 6293584
4246 @end smallexample
4247
4248 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
4249 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
4250 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
4251 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
4252 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
4253 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
4254
4255 @cindex use only software watchpoints
4256 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
4257 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
4258 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
4259 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
4260 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
4261 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
4262 mechanism of watching expression values.)
4263
4264 @table @code
4265 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
4266 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
4267 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
4268
4269 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
4270 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
4271 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
4272 @end table
4273
4274 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
4275 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
4276 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
4277
4278 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
4279
4280 @smallexample
4281 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
4282 @end smallexample
4283
4284 @noindent
4285 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
4286
4287 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
4288 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
4289 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
4290 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
4291 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
4292 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
4293 will print a message like this:
4294
4295 @smallexample
4296 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
4297 @end smallexample
4298
4299 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
4300 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
4301 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
4302 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
4303 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
4304 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
4305 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
4306 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
4307
4308 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
4309 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
4310 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
4311 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
4312 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
4313 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
4314
4315 @smallexample
4316 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
4317 @end smallexample
4318
4319 @noindent
4320 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
4321
4322 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
4323 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
4324 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
4325 expression with separately allocated resources.
4326
4327 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
4328 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
4329 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
4330
4331 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
4332 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
4333 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
4334 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
4335 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
4336 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
4337 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
4338 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
4339 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
4340
4341 @cindex watchpoints and threads
4342 @cindex threads and watchpoints
4343 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
4344 watched expression from every thread.
4345
4346 @quotation
4347 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
4348 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
4349 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
4350 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
4351 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
4352 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
4353 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
4354 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
4355 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
4356 @end quotation
4357
4358 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
4359
4360 @node Set Catchpoints
4361 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
4362 @cindex catchpoints, setting
4363 @cindex exception handlers
4364 @cindex event handling
4365
4366 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
4367 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
4368 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
4369
4370 @table @code
4371 @kindex catch
4372 @item catch @var{event}
4373 Stop when @var{event} occurs. The @var{event} can be any of the following:
4374
4375 @table @code
4376 @item throw @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4377 @itemx rethrow @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4378 @itemx catch @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4379 @kindex catch throw
4380 @kindex catch rethrow
4381 @kindex catch catch
4382 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
4383 The throwing, re-throwing, or catching of a C@t{++} exception.
4384
4385 If @var{regexp} is given, then only exceptions whose type matches the
4386 regular expression will be caught.
4387
4388 @vindex $_exception@r{, convenience variable}
4389 The convenience variable @code{$_exception} is available at an
4390 exception-related catchpoint, on some systems. This holds the
4391 exception being thrown.
4392
4393 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling in
4394 @value{GDBN}:
4395
4396 @itemize @bullet
4397 @item
4398 The support for these commands is system-dependent. Currently, only
4399 systems using the @samp{gnu-v3} C@t{++} ABI (@pxref{ABI}) are
4400 supported.
4401
4402 @item
4403 The regular expression feature and the @code{$_exception} convenience
4404 variable rely on the presence of some SDT probes in @code{libstdc++}.
4405 If these probes are not present, then these features cannot be used.
4406 These probes were first available in the GCC 4.8 release, but whether
4407 or not they are available in your GCC also depends on how it was
4408 built.
4409
4410 @item
4411 The @code{$_exception} convenience variable is only valid at the
4412 instruction at which an exception-related catchpoint is set.
4413
4414 @item
4415 When an exception-related catchpoint is hit, @value{GDBN} stops at a
4416 location in the system library which implements runtime exception
4417 support for C@t{++}, usually @code{libstdc++}. You can use @code{up}
4418 (@pxref{Selection}) to get to your code.
4419
4420 @item
4421 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
4422 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
4423 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
4424 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
4425 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
4426 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
4427 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
4428 disabled within interactive calls. @xref{Calling}, for information on
4429 controlling this with @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception}.
4430
4431 @item
4432 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
4433
4434 @item
4435 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
4436 @end itemize
4437
4438 @item exception
4439 @kindex catch exception
4440 @cindex Ada exception catching
4441 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
4442 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
4443 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
4444 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
4445 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
4446
4447 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
4448 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
4449 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
4450 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
4451 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
4452 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
4453 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
4454 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
4455
4456 @item exception unhandled
4457 @kindex catch exception unhandled
4458 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
4459
4460 @item assert
4461 @kindex catch assert
4462 A failed Ada assertion.
4463
4464 @item exec
4465 @kindex catch exec
4466 @cindex break on fork/exec
4467 A call to @code{exec}.
4468
4469 @item syscall
4470 @itemx syscall @r{[}@var{name} @r{|} @var{number} @r{|} @r{group:}@var{groupname} @r{|} @r{g:}@var{groupname}@r{]} @dots{}
4471 @kindex catch syscall
4472 @cindex break on a system call.
4473 A call to or return from a system call, a.k.a.@: @dfn{syscall}. A
4474 syscall is a mechanism for application programs to request a service
4475 from the operating system (OS) or one of the OS system services.
4476 @value{GDBN} can catch some or all of the syscalls issued by the
4477 debuggee, and show the related information for each syscall. If no
4478 argument is specified, calls to and returns from all system calls
4479 will be caught.
4480
4481 @var{name} can be any system call name that is valid for the
4482 underlying OS. Just what syscalls are valid depends on the OS. On
4483 GNU and Unix systems, you can find the full list of valid syscall
4484 names on @file{/usr/include/asm/unistd.h}.
4485
4486 @c For MS-Windows, the syscall names and the corresponding numbers
4487 @c can be found, e.g., on this URL:
4488 @c http://www.metasploit.com/users/opcode/syscalls.html
4489 @c but we don't support Windows syscalls yet.
4490
4491 Normally, @value{GDBN} knows in advance which syscalls are valid for
4492 each OS, so you can use the @value{GDBN} command-line completion
4493 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
4494 available choices.
4495
4496 You may also specify the system call numerically. A syscall's
4497 number is the value passed to the OS's syscall dispatcher to
4498 identify the requested service. When you specify the syscall by its
4499 name, @value{GDBN} uses its database of syscalls to convert the name
4500 into the corresponding numeric code, but using the number directly
4501 may be useful if @value{GDBN}'s database does not have the complete
4502 list of syscalls on your system (e.g., because @value{GDBN} lags
4503 behind the OS upgrades).
4504
4505 You may specify a group of related syscalls to be caught at once using
4506 the @code{group:} syntax (@code{g:} is a shorter equivalent). For
4507 instance, on some platforms @value{GDBN} allows you to catch all
4508 network related syscalls, by passing the argument @code{group:network}
4509 to @code{catch syscall}. Note that not all syscall groups are
4510 available in every system. You can use the command completion
4511 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
4512 syscall groups available on your environment.
4513
4514 The example below illustrates how this command works if you don't provide
4515 arguments to it:
4516
4517 @smallexample
4518 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4519 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4520 (@value{GDBP}) r
4521 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4522
4523 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'close'), \
4524 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4525 (@value{GDBP}) c
4526 Continuing.
4527
4528 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'close'), \
4529 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4530 (@value{GDBP})
4531 @end smallexample
4532
4533 Here is an example of catching a system call by name:
4534
4535 @smallexample
4536 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall chroot
4537 Catchpoint 1 (syscall 'chroot' [61])
4538 (@value{GDBP}) r
4539 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4540
4541 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'chroot'), \
4542 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4543 (@value{GDBP}) c
4544 Continuing.
4545
4546 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'chroot'), \
4547 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4548 (@value{GDBP})
4549 @end smallexample
4550
4551 An example of specifying a system call numerically. In the case
4552 below, the syscall number has a corresponding entry in the XML
4553 file, so @value{GDBN} finds its name and prints it:
4554
4555 @smallexample
4556 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4557 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 'exit_group')
4558 (@value{GDBP}) r
4559 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4560
4561 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'exit_group'), \
4562 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4563 (@value{GDBP}) c
4564 Continuing.
4565
4566 Program exited normally.
4567 (@value{GDBP})
4568 @end smallexample
4569
4570 Here is an example of catching a syscall group:
4571
4572 @smallexample
4573 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall group:process
4574 Catchpoint 1 (syscalls 'exit' [1] 'fork' [2] 'waitpid' [7]
4575 'execve' [11] 'wait4' [114] 'clone' [120] 'vfork' [190]
4576 'exit_group' [252] 'waitid' [284] 'unshare' [310])
4577 (@value{GDBP}) r
4578 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4579
4580 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall fork), 0x00007ffff7df4e27 in open64 ()
4581 from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
4582
4583 (@value{GDBP}) c
4584 Continuing.
4585 @end smallexample
4586
4587 However, there can be situations when there is no corresponding name
4588 in XML file for that syscall number. In this case, @value{GDBN} prints
4589 a warning message saying that it was not able to find the syscall name,
4590 but the catchpoint will be set anyway. See the example below:
4591
4592 @smallexample
4593 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 764
4594 warning: The number '764' does not represent a known syscall.
4595 Catchpoint 2 (syscall 764)
4596 (@value{GDBP})
4597 @end smallexample
4598
4599 If you configure @value{GDBN} using the @samp{--without-expat} option,
4600 it will not be able to display syscall names. Also, if your
4601 architecture does not have an XML file describing its system calls,
4602 you will not be able to see the syscall names. It is important to
4603 notice that these two features are used for accessing the syscall
4604 name database. In either case, you will see a warning like this:
4605
4606 @smallexample
4607 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4608 warning: Could not open "syscalls/i386-linux.xml"
4609 warning: Could not load the syscall XML file 'syscalls/i386-linux.xml'.
4610 GDB will not be able to display syscall names.
4611 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4612 (@value{GDBP})
4613 @end smallexample
4614
4615 Of course, the file name will change depending on your architecture and system.
4616
4617 Still using the example above, you can also try to catch a syscall by its
4618 number. In this case, you would see something like:
4619
4620 @smallexample
4621 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4622 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 252)
4623 @end smallexample
4624
4625 Again, in this case @value{GDBN} would not be able to display syscall's names.
4626
4627 @item fork
4628 @kindex catch fork
4629 A call to @code{fork}.
4630
4631 @item vfork
4632 @kindex catch vfork
4633 A call to @code{vfork}.
4634
4635 @item load @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4636 @itemx unload @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4637 @kindex catch load
4638 @kindex catch unload
4639 The loading or unloading of a shared library. If @var{regexp} is
4640 given, then the catchpoint will stop only if the regular expression
4641 matches one of the affected libraries.
4642
4643 @item signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
4644 @kindex catch signal
4645 The delivery of a signal.
4646
4647 With no arguments, this catchpoint will catch any signal that is not
4648 used internally by @value{GDBN}, specifically, all signals except
4649 @samp{SIGTRAP} and @samp{SIGINT}.
4650
4651 With the argument @samp{all}, all signals, including those used by
4652 @value{GDBN}, will be caught. This argument cannot be used with other
4653 signal names.
4654
4655 Otherwise, the arguments are a list of signal names as given to
4656 @code{handle} (@pxref{Signals}). Only signals specified in this list
4657 will be caught.
4658
4659 One reason that @code{catch signal} can be more useful than
4660 @code{handle} is that you can attach commands and conditions to the
4661 catchpoint.
4662
4663 When a signal is caught by a catchpoint, the signal's @code{stop} and
4664 @code{print} settings, as specified by @code{handle}, are ignored.
4665 However, whether the signal is still delivered to the inferior depends
4666 on the @code{pass} setting; this can be changed in the catchpoint's
4667 commands.
4668
4669 @end table
4670
4671 @item tcatch @var{event}
4672 @kindex tcatch
4673 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
4674 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
4675
4676 @end table
4677
4678 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
4679
4680
4681 @node Delete Breaks
4682 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
4683
4684 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4685 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4686 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
4687 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
4688 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
4689 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
4690
4691 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
4692 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
4693 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
4694 their breakpoint numbers.
4695
4696 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
4697 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
4698 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
4699
4700 @table @code
4701 @kindex clear
4702 @item clear
4703 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
4704 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
4705 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
4706 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
4707
4708 @item clear @var{location}
4709 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
4710 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
4711 most useful ones are listed below:
4712
4713 @table @code
4714 @item clear @var{function}
4715 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
4716 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
4717
4718 @item clear @var{linenum}
4719 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
4720 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
4721 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
4722 @end table
4723
4724 @cindex delete breakpoints
4725 @kindex delete
4726 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
4727 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4728 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
4729 list specified as argument. If no argument is specified, delete all
4730 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
4731 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
4732 @end table
4733
4734 @node Disabling
4735 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
4736
4737 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
4738 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
4739 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
4740 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
4741 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
4742
4743 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
4744 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying
4745 one or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} to
4746 print a list of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints if you
4747 do not know which numbers to use.
4748
4749 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
4750 affects all of its locations.
4751
4752 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of several
4753 different states of enablement:
4754
4755 @itemize @bullet
4756 @item
4757 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
4758 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
4759 @item
4760 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
4761 @item
4762 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
4763 disabled.
4764 @item
4765 Enabled for a count. The breakpoint stops your program for the next
4766 N times, then becomes disabled.
4767 @item
4768 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
4769 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
4770 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
4771 @end itemize
4772
4773 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
4774 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
4775
4776 @table @code
4777 @kindex disable
4778 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
4779 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4780 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
4781 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
4782 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
4783 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
4784 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
4785
4786 @kindex enable
4787 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4788 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
4789 become effective once again in stopping your program.
4790
4791 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{list}@dots{}
4792 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
4793 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
4794
4795 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} count @var{count} @var{list}@dots{}
4796 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} records
4797 @var{count} with each of the specified breakpoints, and decrements a
4798 breakpoint's count when it is hit. When any count reaches 0,
4799 @value{GDBN} disables that breakpoint. If a breakpoint has an ignore
4800 count (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}), that will be
4801 decremented to 0 before @var{count} is affected.
4802
4803 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{list}@dots{}
4804 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
4805 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
4806 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
4807 @end table
4808
4809 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
4810 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
4811 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
4812 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
4813 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
4814 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
4815 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
4816 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
4817 Stepping}.)
4818
4819 @node Conditions
4820 @subsection Break Conditions
4821 @cindex conditional breakpoints
4822 @cindex breakpoint conditions
4823
4824 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
4825 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
4826 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
4827 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
4828 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
4829 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
4830 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
4831 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
4832
4833 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
4834 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
4835 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
4836 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
4837 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
4838
4839 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
4840 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
4841 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
4842 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
4843 one.
4844
4845 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
4846 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
4847 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
4848 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
4849 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
4850 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
4851 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
4852 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
4853 conditions for the
4854 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
4855 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
4856
4857 Breakpoint conditions can also be evaluated on the target's side if
4858 the target supports it. Instead of evaluating the conditions locally,
4859 @value{GDBN} encodes the expression into an agent expression
4860 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) suitable for execution on the target,
4861 independently of @value{GDBN}. Global variables become raw memory
4862 locations, locals become stack accesses, and so forth.
4863
4864 In this case, @value{GDBN} will only be notified of a breakpoint trigger
4865 when its condition evaluates to true. This mechanism may provide faster
4866 response times depending on the performance characteristics of the target
4867 since it does not need to keep @value{GDBN} informed about
4868 every breakpoint trigger, even those with false conditions.
4869
4870 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
4871 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
4872 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
4873 with the @code{condition} command.
4874
4875 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
4876 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
4877 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
4878 catchpoint.
4879
4880 @table @code
4881 @kindex condition
4882 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
4883 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
4884 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
4885 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
4886 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
4887 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
4888 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
4889 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
4890 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
4891 prints an error message:
4892
4893 @smallexample
4894 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4895 @end smallexample
4896
4897 @noindent
4898 @value{GDBN} does
4899 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
4900 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
4901 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
4902
4903 @item condition @var{bnum}
4904 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
4905 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
4906 @end table
4907
4908 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
4909 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
4910 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
4911 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
4912 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
4913 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
4914 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
4915 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
4916 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
4917 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
4918 your program reaches it.
4919
4920 @table @code
4921 @kindex ignore
4922 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
4923 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
4924 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
4925 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
4926 takes no action.
4927
4928 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
4929 a count of zero.
4930
4931 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
4932 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
4933 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
4934 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
4935
4936 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
4937 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
4938 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
4939
4940 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
4941 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
4942 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
4943 Variables}.
4944 @end table
4945
4946 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
4947
4948
4949 @node Break Commands
4950 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
4951
4952 @cindex breakpoint commands
4953 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
4954 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
4955 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
4956 enable other breakpoints.
4957
4958 @table @code
4959 @kindex commands
4960 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
4961 @item commands @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4962 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
4963 @itemx end
4964 Specify a list of commands for the given breakpoints. The commands
4965 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
4966 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
4967
4968 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
4969 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
4970
4971 With no argument, @code{commands} refers to the last breakpoint,
4972 watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most recently
4973 encountered). If the most recent breakpoints were set with a single
4974 command, then the @code{commands} will apply to all the breakpoints
4975 set by that command. This applies to breakpoints set by
4976 @code{rbreak}, and also applies when a single @code{break} command
4977 creates multiple breakpoints (@pxref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous
4978 Expressions}).
4979 @end table
4980
4981 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
4982 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
4983
4984 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
4985 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
4986 that resumes execution.
4987
4988 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
4989 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
4990 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
4991 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
4992 ambiguities about which list to execute.
4993
4994 @kindex silent
4995 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
4996 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
4997 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
4998 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
4999 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
5000 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
5001
5002 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
5003 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
5004 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
5005
5006 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
5007 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
5008
5009 @smallexample
5010 break foo if x>0
5011 commands
5012 silent
5013 printf "x is %d\n",x
5014 cont
5015 end
5016 @end smallexample
5017
5018 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
5019 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
5020 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
5021 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
5022 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
5023 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
5024 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
5025
5026 @smallexample
5027 break 403
5028 commands
5029 silent
5030 set x = y + 4
5031 cont
5032 end
5033 @end smallexample
5034
5035 @node Dynamic Printf
5036 @subsection Dynamic Printf
5037
5038 @cindex dynamic printf
5039 @cindex dprintf
5040 The dynamic printf command @code{dprintf} combines a breakpoint with
5041 formatted printing of your program's data to give you the effect of
5042 inserting @code{printf} calls into your program on-the-fly, without
5043 having to recompile it.
5044
5045 In its most basic form, the output goes to the GDB console. However,
5046 you can set the variable @code{dprintf-style} for alternate handling.
5047 For instance, you can ask to format the output by calling your
5048 program's @code{printf} function. This has the advantage that the
5049 characters go to the program's output device, so they can recorded in
5050 redirects to files and so forth.
5051
5052 If you are doing remote debugging with a stub or agent, you can also
5053 ask to have the printf handled by the remote agent. In addition to
5054 ensuring that the output goes to the remote program's device along
5055 with any other output the program might produce, you can also ask that
5056 the dprintf remain active even after disconnecting from the remote
5057 target. Using the stub/agent is also more efficient, as it can do
5058 everything without needing to communicate with @value{GDBN}.
5059
5060 @table @code
5061 @kindex dprintf
5062 @item dprintf @var{location},@var{template},@var{expression}[,@var{expression}@dots{}]
5063 Whenever execution reaches @var{location}, print the values of one or
5064 more @var{expressions} under the control of the string @var{template}.
5065 To print several values, separate them with commas.
5066
5067 @item set dprintf-style @var{style}
5068 Set the dprintf output to be handled in one of several different
5069 styles enumerated below. A change of style affects all existing
5070 dynamic printfs immediately. (If you need individual control over the
5071 print commands, simply define normal breakpoints with
5072 explicitly-supplied command lists.)
5073
5074 @table @code
5075 @item gdb
5076 @kindex dprintf-style gdb
5077 Handle the output using the @value{GDBN} @code{printf} command.
5078
5079 @item call
5080 @kindex dprintf-style call
5081 Handle the output by calling a function in your program (normally
5082 @code{printf}).
5083
5084 @item agent
5085 @kindex dprintf-style agent
5086 Have the remote debugging agent (such as @code{gdbserver}) handle
5087 the output itself. This style is only available for agents that
5088 support running commands on the target.
5089 @end table
5090
5091 @item set dprintf-function @var{function}
5092 Set the function to call if the dprintf style is @code{call}. By
5093 default its value is @code{printf}. You may set it to any expression.
5094 that @value{GDBN} can evaluate to a function, as per the @code{call}
5095 command.
5096
5097 @item set dprintf-channel @var{channel}
5098 Set a ``channel'' for dprintf. If set to a non-empty value,
5099 @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as an expression and pass the result as
5100 a first argument to the @code{dprintf-function}, in the manner of
5101 @code{fprintf} and similar functions. Otherwise, the dprintf format
5102 string will be the first argument, in the manner of @code{printf}.
5103
5104 As an example, if you wanted @code{dprintf} output to go to a logfile
5105 that is a standard I/O stream assigned to the variable @code{mylog},
5106 you could do the following:
5107
5108 @example
5109 (gdb) set dprintf-style call
5110 (gdb) set dprintf-function fprintf
5111 (gdb) set dprintf-channel mylog
5112 (gdb) dprintf 25,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob
5113 Dprintf 1 at 0x123456: file main.c, line 25.
5114 (gdb) info break
5115 1 dprintf keep y 0x00123456 in main at main.c:25
5116 call (void) fprintf (mylog,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob)
5117 continue
5118 (gdb)
5119 @end example
5120
5121 Note that the @code{info break} displays the dynamic printf commands
5122 as normal breakpoint commands; you can thus easily see the effect of
5123 the variable settings.
5124
5125 @item set disconnected-dprintf on
5126 @itemx set disconnected-dprintf off
5127 @kindex set disconnected-dprintf
5128 Choose whether @code{dprintf} commands should continue to run if
5129 @value{GDBN} has disconnected from the target. This only applies
5130 if the @code{dprintf-style} is @code{agent}.
5131
5132 @item show disconnected-dprintf off
5133 @kindex show disconnected-dprintf
5134 Show the current choice for disconnected @code{dprintf}.
5135
5136 @end table
5137
5138 @value{GDBN} does not check the validity of function and channel,
5139 relying on you to supply values that are meaningful for the contexts
5140 in which they are being used. For instance, the function and channel
5141 may be the values of local variables, but if that is the case, then
5142 all enabled dynamic prints must be at locations within the scope of
5143 those locals. If evaluation fails, @value{GDBN} will report an error.
5144
5145 @node Save Breakpoints
5146 @subsection How to save breakpoints to a file
5147
5148 To save breakpoint definitions to a file use the @w{@code{save
5149 breakpoints}} command.
5150
5151 @table @code
5152 @kindex save breakpoints
5153 @cindex save breakpoints to a file for future sessions
5154 @item save breakpoints [@var{filename}]
5155 This command saves all current breakpoint definitions together with
5156 their commands and ignore counts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
5157 suitable for use in a later debugging session. This includes all
5158 types of breakpoints (breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints,
5159 tracepoints). To read the saved breakpoint definitions, use the
5160 @code{source} command (@pxref{Command Files}). Note that watchpoints
5161 with expressions involving local variables may fail to be recreated
5162 because it may not be possible to access the context where the
5163 watchpoint is valid anymore. Because the saved breakpoint definitions
5164 are simply a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands that recreate the
5165 breakpoints, you can edit the file in your favorite editing program,
5166 and remove the breakpoint definitions you're not interested in, or
5167 that can no longer be recreated.
5168 @end table
5169
5170 @node Static Probe Points
5171 @subsection Static Probe Points
5172
5173 @cindex static probe point, SystemTap
5174 @cindex static probe point, DTrace
5175 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{SDT} probes in the code. @acronym{SDT} stands
5176 for Statically Defined Tracing, and the probes are designed to have a tiny
5177 runtime code and data footprint, and no dynamic relocations.
5178
5179 Currently, the following types of probes are supported on
5180 ELF-compatible systems:
5181
5182 @itemize @bullet
5183
5184 @item @code{SystemTap} (@uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/})
5185 @acronym{SDT} probes@footnote{See
5186 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/AddingUserSpaceProbingToApps}
5187 for more information on how to add @code{SystemTap} @acronym{SDT}
5188 probes in your applications.}. @code{SystemTap} probes are usable
5189 from assembly, C and C@t{++} languages@footnote{See
5190 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/UserSpaceProbeImplementation}
5191 for a good reference on how the @acronym{SDT} probes are implemented.}.
5192
5193 @item @code{DTrace} (@uref{http://oss.oracle.com/projects/DTrace})
5194 @acronym{USDT} probes. @code{DTrace} probes are usable from C and
5195 C@t{++} languages.
5196 @end itemize
5197
5198 @cindex semaphores on static probe points
5199 Some @code{SystemTap} probes have an associated semaphore variable;
5200 for instance, this happens automatically if you defined your probe
5201 using a DTrace-style @file{.d} file. If your probe has a semaphore,
5202 @value{GDBN} will automatically enable it when you specify a
5203 breakpoint using the @samp{-probe-stap} notation. But, if you put a
5204 breakpoint at a probe's location by some other method (e.g.,
5205 @code{break file:line}), then @value{GDBN} will not automatically set
5206 the semaphore. @code{DTrace} probes do not support semaphores.
5207
5208 You can examine the available static static probes using @code{info
5209 probes}, with optional arguments:
5210
5211 @table @code
5212 @kindex info probes
5213 @item info probes @r{[}@var{type}@r{]} @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
5214 If given, @var{type} is either @code{stap} for listing
5215 @code{SystemTap} probes or @code{dtrace} for listing @code{DTrace}
5216 probes. If omitted all probes are listed regardless of their types.
5217
5218 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against provider
5219 names when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probes by all
5220 probes from all providers are listed.
5221
5222 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe names
5223 when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probe names are not
5224 considered when deciding whether to display them.
5225
5226 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
5227 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
5228 given, all object files are considered.
5229
5230 @item info probes all
5231 List the available static probes, from all types.
5232 @end table
5233
5234 @cindex enabling and disabling probes
5235 Some probe points can be enabled and/or disabled. The effect of
5236 enabling or disabling a probe depends on the type of probe being
5237 handled. Some @code{DTrace} probes can be enabled or
5238 disabled, but @code{SystemTap} probes cannot be disabled.
5239
5240 You can enable (or disable) one or more probes using the following
5241 commands, with optional arguments:
5242
5243 @table @code
5244 @kindex enable probes
5245 @item enable probes @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
5246 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against
5247 provider names when selecting which probes to enable. If omitted,
5248 all probes from all providers are enabled.
5249
5250 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe
5251 names when selecting which probes to enable. If omitted, probe names
5252 are not considered when deciding whether to enable them.
5253
5254 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
5255 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
5256 given, all object files are considered.
5257
5258 @kindex disable probes
5259 @item disable probes @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
5260 See the @code{enable probes} command above for a description of the
5261 optional arguments accepted by this command.
5262 @end table
5263
5264 @vindex $_probe_arg@r{, convenience variable}
5265 A probe may specify up to twelve arguments. These are available at the
5266 point at which the probe is defined---that is, when the current PC is
5267 at the probe's location. The arguments are available using the
5268 convenience variables (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
5269 @code{$_probe_arg0}@dots{}@code{$_probe_arg11}. In @code{SystemTap}
5270 probes each probe argument is an integer of the appropriate size;
5271 types are not preserved. In @code{DTrace} probes types are preserved
5272 provided that they are recognized as such by @value{GDBN}; otherwise
5273 the value of the probe argument will be a long integer. The
5274 convenience variable @code{$_probe_argc} holds the number of arguments
5275 at the current probe point.
5276
5277 These variables are always available, but attempts to access them at
5278 any location other than a probe point will cause @value{GDBN} to give
5279 an error message.
5280
5281
5282 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
5283 @node Error in Breakpoints
5284 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
5285
5286 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
5287 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
5288
5289 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
5290 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
5291 @smallexample
5292 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
5293 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
5294 @end smallexample
5295
5296 @noindent
5297 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
5298 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
5299 watchpoints it needs to insert.
5300
5301 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
5302 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
5303
5304 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
5305 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
5306 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
5307
5308 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
5309 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
5310 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
5311 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
5312
5313 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
5314 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
5315 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
5316 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
5317 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
5318 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
5319 first in the bundle.
5320
5321 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
5322 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
5323 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
5324 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
5325 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
5326 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
5327 is hit.
5328
5329 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
5330 that's been subject to address adjustment:
5331
5332 @smallexample
5333 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
5334 @end smallexample
5335
5336 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
5337 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
5338 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
5339 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
5340 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
5341 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
5342 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
5343 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
5344
5345 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
5346 adjusted breakpoints:
5347
5348 @smallexample
5349 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
5350 to 0x00010410.
5351 @end smallexample
5352
5353 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
5354 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
5355 frequently than expected.
5356
5357 @node Continuing and Stepping
5358 @section Continuing and Stepping
5359
5360 @cindex stepping
5361 @cindex continuing
5362 @cindex resuming execution
5363 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
5364 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
5365 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
5366 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
5367 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
5368 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
5369 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
5370 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution (@pxref{Signals, ,Signals}),
5371 or you may step into the signal's handler (@pxref{stepping and signal
5372 handlers}).)
5373
5374 @table @code
5375 @kindex continue
5376 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
5377 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
5378 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5379 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5380 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5381 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
5382 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
5383 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
5384 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
5385 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
5386
5387 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
5388 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
5389 @code{continue} is ignored.
5390
5391 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
5392 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
5393 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
5394 @code{continue}.
5395 @end table
5396
5397 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
5398 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
5399 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
5400 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
5401
5402 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
5403 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
5404 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
5405 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
5406 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
5407 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
5408
5409 @table @code
5410 @kindex step
5411 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
5412 @item step
5413 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
5414 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
5415 abbreviated @code{s}.
5416
5417 @quotation
5418 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
5419 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
5420 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
5421 @c distinction here.
5422 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
5423 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
5424 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
5425 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
5426 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
5427 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
5428 below.
5429 @end quotation
5430
5431 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
5432 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5433 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
5434 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
5435 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
5436 called within the line.
5437
5438 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
5439 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
5440 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
5441 on @acronym{MIPS} machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
5442 was any debugging information about the routine.
5443
5444 @item step @var{count}
5445 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
5446 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
5447 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
5448
5449 @kindex next
5450 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
5451 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5452 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
5453 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
5454 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
5455 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
5456 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
5457 is abbreviated @code{n}.
5458
5459 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
5460
5461
5462 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
5463 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
5464 @c
5465 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
5466 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
5467 @c function are executed without stopping.
5468
5469 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
5470 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5471 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
5472
5473 @kindex set step-mode
5474 @item set step-mode
5475 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
5476 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
5477 @itemx set step-mode on
5478 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
5479 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
5480 information rather than stepping over it.
5481
5482 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
5483 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
5484 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
5485
5486 @item set step-mode off
5487 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
5488 debug information. This is the default.
5489
5490 @item show step-mode
5491 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
5492 source line debug information.
5493
5494 @kindex finish
5495 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
5496 @item finish
5497 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
5498 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
5499 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
5500
5501 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
5502 ,Returning from a Function}).
5503
5504 @kindex until
5505 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
5506 @cindex run until specified location
5507 @item until
5508 @itemx u
5509 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
5510 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
5511 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
5512 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
5513 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
5514 than the address of the jump.
5515
5516 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
5517 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
5518 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
5519 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
5520 through the next iteration.
5521
5522 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
5523 stack frame.
5524
5525 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
5526 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
5527 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
5528 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
5529 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
5530
5531 @smallexample
5532 (@value{GDBP}) f
5533 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
5534 206 expand_input();
5535 (@value{GDBP}) until
5536 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
5537 @end smallexample
5538
5539 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
5540 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
5541 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
5542 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
5543 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
5544 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
5545 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
5546
5547 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
5548 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
5549 argument.
5550
5551 @item until @var{location}
5552 @itemx u @var{location}
5553 Continue running your program until either the specified @var{location} is
5554 reached, or the current stack frame returns. The location is any of
5555 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
5556 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
5557 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
5558 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
5559 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
5560 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
5561 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
5562 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
5563 invocations have returned.
5564
5565 @smallexample
5566 94 int factorial (int value)
5567 95 @{
5568 96 if (value > 1) @{
5569 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
5570 98 @}
5571 99 return (value);
5572 100 @}
5573 @end smallexample
5574
5575
5576 @kindex advance @var{location}
5577 @item advance @var{location}
5578 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
5579 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
5580 @ref{Specify Location}.
5581 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
5582 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
5583 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
5584 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
5585
5586
5587 @kindex stepi
5588 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
5589 @item stepi
5590 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
5591 @itemx si
5592 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
5593
5594 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
5595 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
5596 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
5597 Display,, Automatic Display}.
5598
5599 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
5600
5601 @need 750
5602 @kindex nexti
5603 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
5604 @item nexti
5605 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
5606 @itemx ni
5607 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
5608 proceed until the function returns.
5609
5610 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
5611
5612 @end table
5613
5614 @anchor{range stepping}
5615 @cindex range stepping
5616 @cindex target-assisted range stepping
5617 By default, and if available, @value{GDBN} makes use of
5618 target-assisted @dfn{range stepping}. In other words, whenever you
5619 use a stepping command (e.g., @code{step}, @code{next}), @value{GDBN}
5620 tells the target to step the corresponding range of instruction
5621 addresses instead of issuing multiple single-steps. This speeds up
5622 line stepping, particularly for remote targets. Ideally, there should
5623 be no reason you would want to turn range stepping off. However, it's
5624 possible that a bug in the debug info, a bug in the remote stub (for
5625 remote targets), or even a bug in @value{GDBN} could make line
5626 stepping behave incorrectly when target-assisted range stepping is
5627 enabled. You can use the following command to turn off range stepping
5628 if necessary:
5629
5630 @table @code
5631 @kindex set range-stepping
5632 @kindex show range-stepping
5633 @item set range-stepping
5634 @itemx show range-stepping
5635 Control whether range stepping is enabled.
5636
5637 If @code{on}, and the target supports it, @value{GDBN} tells the
5638 target to step a range of addresses itself, instead of issuing
5639 multiple single-steps. If @code{off}, @value{GDBN} always issues
5640 single-steps, even if range stepping is supported by the target. The
5641 default is @code{on}.
5642
5643 @end table
5644
5645 @node Skipping Over Functions and Files
5646 @section Skipping Over Functions and Files
5647 @cindex skipping over functions and files
5648
5649 The program you are debugging may contain some functions which are
5650 uninteresting to debug. The @code{skip} command lets you tell @value{GDBN} to
5651 skip a function, all functions in a file or a particular function in
5652 a particular file when stepping.
5653
5654 For example, consider the following C function:
5655
5656 @smallexample
5657 101 int func()
5658 102 @{
5659 103 foo(boring());
5660 104 bar(boring());
5661 105 @}
5662 @end smallexample
5663
5664 @noindent
5665 Suppose you wish to step into the functions @code{foo} and @code{bar}, but you
5666 are not interested in stepping through @code{boring}. If you run @code{step}
5667 at line 103, you'll enter @code{boring()}, but if you run @code{next}, you'll
5668 step over both @code{foo} and @code{boring}!
5669
5670 One solution is to @code{step} into @code{boring} and use the @code{finish}
5671 command to immediately exit it. But this can become tedious if @code{boring}
5672 is called from many places.
5673
5674 A more flexible solution is to execute @kbd{skip boring}. This instructs
5675 @value{GDBN} never to step into @code{boring}. Now when you execute
5676 @code{step} at line 103, you'll step over @code{boring} and directly into
5677 @code{foo}.
5678
5679 Functions may be skipped by providing either a function name, linespec
5680 (@pxref{Specify Location}), regular expression that matches the function's
5681 name, file name or a @code{glob}-style pattern that matches the file name.
5682
5683 On Posix systems the form of the regular expression is
5684 ``Extended Regular Expressions''. See for example @samp{man 7 regex}
5685 on @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. On non-Posix systems the form of the regular
5686 expression is whatever is provided by the @code{regcomp} function of
5687 the underlying system.
5688 See for example @samp{man 7 glob} on @sc{gnu}/Linux systems for a
5689 description of @code{glob}-style patterns.
5690
5691 @table @code
5692 @kindex skip
5693 @item skip @r{[}@var{options}@r{]}
5694 The basic form of the @code{skip} command takes zero or more options
5695 that specify what to skip.
5696 The @var{options} argument is any useful combination of the following:
5697
5698 @table @code
5699 @item -file @var{file}
5700 @itemx -fi @var{file}
5701 Functions in @var{file} will be skipped over when stepping.
5702
5703 @item -gfile @var{file-glob-pattern}
5704 @itemx -gfi @var{file-glob-pattern}
5705 @cindex skipping over files via glob-style patterns
5706 Functions in files matching @var{file-glob-pattern} will be skipped
5707 over when stepping.
5708
5709 @smallexample
5710 (gdb) skip -gfi utils/*.c
5711 @end smallexample
5712
5713 @item -function @var{linespec}
5714 @itemx -fu @var{linespec}
5715 Functions named by @var{linespec} or the function containing the line
5716 named by @var{linespec} will be skipped over when stepping.
5717 @xref{Specify Location}.
5718
5719 @item -rfunction @var{regexp}
5720 @itemx -rfu @var{regexp}
5721 @cindex skipping over functions via regular expressions
5722 Functions whose name matches @var{regexp} will be skipped over when stepping.
5723
5724 This form is useful for complex function names.
5725 For example, there is generally no need to step into C@t{++} @code{std::string}
5726 constructors or destructors. Plus with C@t{++} templates it can be hard to
5727 write out the full name of the function, and often it doesn't matter what
5728 the template arguments are. Specifying the function to be skipped as a
5729 regular expression makes this easier.
5730
5731 @smallexample
5732 (gdb) skip -rfu ^std::(allocator|basic_string)<.*>::~?\1 *\(
5733 @end smallexample
5734
5735 If you want to skip every templated C@t{++} constructor and destructor
5736 in the @code{std} namespace you can do:
5737
5738 @smallexample
5739 (gdb) skip -rfu ^std::([a-zA-z0-9_]+)<.*>::~?\1 *\(
5740 @end smallexample
5741 @end table
5742
5743 If no options are specified, the function you're currently debugging
5744 will be skipped.
5745
5746 @kindex skip function
5747 @item skip function @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5748 After running this command, the function named by @var{linespec} or the
5749 function containing the line named by @var{linespec} will be skipped over when
5750 stepping. @xref{Specify Location}.
5751
5752 If you do not specify @var{linespec}, the function you're currently debugging
5753 will be skipped.
5754
5755 (If you have a function called @code{file} that you want to skip, use
5756 @kbd{skip function file}.)
5757
5758 @kindex skip file
5759 @item skip file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
5760 After running this command, any function whose source lives in @var{filename}
5761 will be skipped over when stepping.
5762
5763 @smallexample
5764 (gdb) skip file boring.c
5765 File boring.c will be skipped when stepping.
5766 @end smallexample
5767
5768 If you do not specify @var{filename}, functions whose source lives in the file
5769 you're currently debugging will be skipped.
5770 @end table
5771
5772 Skips can be listed, deleted, disabled, and enabled, much like breakpoints.
5773 These are the commands for managing your list of skips:
5774
5775 @table @code
5776 @kindex info skip
5777 @item info skip @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5778 Print details about the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified,
5779 print a table with details about all functions and files marked for skipping.
5780 @code{info skip} prints the following information about each skip:
5781
5782 @table @emph
5783 @item Identifier
5784 A number identifying this skip.
5785 @item Enabled or Disabled
5786 Enabled skips are marked with @samp{y}.
5787 Disabled skips are marked with @samp{n}.
5788 @item Glob
5789 If the file name is a @samp{glob} pattern this is @samp{y}.
5790 Otherwise it is @samp{n}.
5791 @item File
5792 The name or @samp{glob} pattern of the file to be skipped.
5793 If no file is specified this is @samp{<none>}.
5794 @item RE
5795 If the function name is a @samp{regular expression} this is @samp{y}.
5796 Otherwise it is @samp{n}.
5797 @item Function
5798 The name or regular expression of the function to skip.
5799 If no function is specified this is @samp{<none>}.
5800 @end table
5801
5802 @kindex skip delete
5803 @item skip delete @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5804 Delete the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, delete all
5805 skips.
5806
5807 @kindex skip enable
5808 @item skip enable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5809 Enable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, enable all
5810 skips.
5811
5812 @kindex skip disable
5813 @item skip disable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5814 Disable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, disable all
5815 skips.
5816
5817 @end table
5818
5819 @node Signals
5820 @section Signals
5821 @cindex signals
5822
5823 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
5824 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
5825 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
5826 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
5827 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
5828 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
5829 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
5830 requested an alarm).
5831
5832 @cindex fatal signals
5833 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
5834 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
5835 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
5836 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
5837 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
5838 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
5839
5840 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
5841 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
5842 signal.
5843
5844 @cindex handling signals
5845 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
5846 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
5847 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
5848 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
5849 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
5850
5851 @table @code
5852 @kindex info signals
5853 @kindex info handle
5854 @item info signals
5855 @itemx info handle
5856 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
5857 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
5858 the defined types of signals.
5859
5860 @item info signals @var{sig}
5861 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
5862
5863 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
5864
5865 @item catch signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
5866 Set a catchpoint for the indicated signals. @xref{Set Catchpoints},
5867 for details about this command.
5868
5869 @kindex handle
5870 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
5871 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. The @var{signal}
5872 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
5873 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
5874 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
5875 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
5876 say what change to make.
5877 @end table
5878
5879 @c @group
5880 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
5881 Their full names are:
5882
5883 @table @code
5884 @item nostop
5885 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
5886 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
5887
5888 @item stop
5889 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
5890 the @code{print} keyword as well.
5891
5892 @item print
5893 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
5894
5895 @item noprint
5896 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
5897 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
5898
5899 @item pass
5900 @itemx noignore
5901 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
5902 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
5903 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
5904
5905 @item nopass
5906 @itemx ignore
5907 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
5908 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
5909 @end table
5910 @c @end group
5911
5912 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
5913 program until you
5914 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
5915 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
5916 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
5917 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
5918 program sees that signal when you continue.
5919
5920 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
5921 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
5922 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
5923 erroneous signals.
5924
5925 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
5926 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
5927 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
5928 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
5929 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
5930 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
5931 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
5932 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
5933 Program a Signal}.
5934
5935 @cindex stepping and signal handlers
5936 @anchor{stepping and signal handlers}
5937
5938 @value{GDBN} optimizes for stepping the mainline code. If a signal
5939 that has @code{handle nostop} and @code{handle pass} set arrives while
5940 a stepping command (e.g., @code{stepi}, @code{step}, @code{next}) is
5941 in progress, @value{GDBN} lets the signal handler run and then resumes
5942 stepping the mainline code once the signal handler returns. In other
5943 words, @value{GDBN} steps over the signal handler. This prevents
5944 signals that you've specified as not interesting (with @code{handle
5945 nostop}) from changing the focus of debugging unexpectedly. Note that
5946 the signal handler itself may still hit a breakpoint, stop for another
5947 signal that has @code{handle stop} in effect, or for any other event
5948 that normally results in stopping the stepping command sooner. Also
5949 note that @value{GDBN} still informs you that the program received a
5950 signal if @code{handle print} is set.
5951
5952 @anchor{stepping into signal handlers}
5953
5954 If you set @code{handle pass} for a signal, and your program sets up a
5955 handler for it, then issuing a stepping command, such as @code{step}
5956 or @code{stepi}, when your program is stopped due to the signal will
5957 step @emph{into} the signal handler (if the target supports that).
5958
5959 Likewise, if you use the @code{queue-signal} command to queue a signal
5960 to be delivered to the current thread when execution of the thread
5961 resumes (@pxref{Signaling, ,Giving your Program a Signal}), then a
5962 stepping command will step into the signal handler.
5963
5964 Here's an example, using @code{stepi} to step to the first instruction
5965 of @code{SIGUSR1}'s handler:
5966
5967 @smallexample
5968 (@value{GDBP}) handle SIGUSR1
5969 Signal Stop Print Pass to program Description
5970 SIGUSR1 Yes Yes Yes User defined signal 1
5971 (@value{GDBP}) c
5972 Continuing.
5973
5974 Program received signal SIGUSR1, User defined signal 1.
5975 main () sigusr1.c:28
5976 28 p = 0;
5977 (@value{GDBP}) si
5978 sigusr1_handler () at sigusr1.c:9
5979 9 @{
5980 @end smallexample
5981
5982 The same, but using @code{queue-signal} instead of waiting for the
5983 program to receive the signal first:
5984
5985 @smallexample
5986 (@value{GDBP}) n
5987 28 p = 0;
5988 (@value{GDBP}) queue-signal SIGUSR1
5989 (@value{GDBP}) si
5990 sigusr1_handler () at sigusr1.c:9
5991 9 @{
5992 (@value{GDBP})
5993 @end smallexample
5994
5995 @cindex extra signal information
5996 @anchor{extra signal information}
5997
5998 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
5999 associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
6000 delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
6001 by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
6002 that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
6003 receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
6004 target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
6005 $_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
6006 standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
6007 system header.
6008
6009 Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
6010 referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
6011
6012 @smallexample
6013 @group
6014 (@value{GDBP}) continue
6015 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
6016 0x0000000000400766 in main ()
6017 69 *(int *)p = 0;
6018 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
6019 type = struct @{
6020 int si_signo;
6021 int si_errno;
6022 int si_code;
6023 union @{
6024 int _pad[28];
6025 struct @{...@} _kill;
6026 struct @{...@} _timer;
6027 struct @{...@} _rt;
6028 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
6029 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
6030 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
6031 @} _sifields;
6032 @}
6033 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
6034 type = struct @{
6035 void *si_addr;
6036 @}
6037 (@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
6038 $1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
6039 @end group
6040 @end smallexample
6041
6042 Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
6043
6044 @cindex Intel MPX boundary violations
6045 @cindex boundary violations, Intel MPX
6046 On some targets, a @code{SIGSEGV} can be caused by a boundary
6047 violation, i.e., accessing an address outside of the allowed range.
6048 In those cases @value{GDBN} may displays additional information,
6049 depending on how @value{GDBN} has been told to handle the signal.
6050 With @code{handle stop SIGSEGV}, @value{GDBN} displays the violation
6051 kind: "Upper" or "Lower", the memory address accessed and the
6052 bounds, while with @code{handle nostop SIGSEGV} no additional
6053 information is displayed.
6054
6055 The usual output of a segfault is:
6056 @smallexample
6057 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault
6058 0x0000000000400d7c in upper () at i386-mpx-sigsegv.c:68
6059 68 value = *(p + len);
6060 @end smallexample
6061
6062 While a bound violation is presented as:
6063 @smallexample
6064 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault
6065 Upper bound violation while accessing address 0x7fffffffc3b3
6066 Bounds: [lower = 0x7fffffffc390, upper = 0x7fffffffc3a3]
6067 0x0000000000400d7c in upper () at i386-mpx-sigsegv.c:68
6068 68 value = *(p + len);
6069 @end smallexample
6070
6071 @node Thread Stops
6072 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
6073
6074 @cindex stopped threads
6075 @cindex threads, stopped
6076
6077 @cindex continuing threads
6078 @cindex threads, continuing
6079
6080 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
6081 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
6082 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
6083 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
6084 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
6085 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
6086 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
6087 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
6088 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
6089
6090 @menu
6091 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
6092 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
6093 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
6094 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
6095 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
6096 * Observer Mode:: GDB does not alter program behavior
6097 @end menu
6098
6099 @node All-Stop Mode
6100 @subsection All-Stop Mode
6101
6102 @cindex all-stop mode
6103
6104 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
6105 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
6106 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
6107 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
6108 underfoot.
6109
6110 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
6111 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
6112 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
6113
6114 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
6115 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
6116 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
6117 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
6118 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
6119 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
6120 stops.
6121
6122 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
6123 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
6124 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
6125 first thread completes whatever you requested.
6126
6127 @cindex automatic thread selection
6128 @cindex switching threads automatically
6129 @cindex threads, automatic switching
6130 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
6131 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
6132 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
6133 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
6134 thread.
6135
6136 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
6137 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
6138
6139 @table @code
6140 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
6141 @cindex scheduler locking mode
6142 @cindex lock scheduler
6143 Set the scheduler locking mode. It applies to normal execution,
6144 record mode, and replay mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
6145 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only
6146 the current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The
6147 @code{step} mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other
6148 threads from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so
6149 that the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly. Other
6150 threads never get a chance to run when you step, and they are
6151 completely free to run when you use commands like @samp{continue},
6152 @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another thread hits a
6153 breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change the
6154 current thread away from the thread that you are debugging. The
6155 @code{replay} mode behaves like @code{off} in record mode and like
6156 @code{on} in replay mode.
6157
6158 @item show scheduler-locking
6159 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
6160 @end table
6161
6162 @cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
6163 By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
6164 @code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
6165 threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
6166 is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
6167 @code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
6168 inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
6169 forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
6170 it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
6171 situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
6172 of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
6173 to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
6174 you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
6175 inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
6176
6177 @table @code
6178 @kindex set schedule-multiple
6179 @item set schedule-multiple
6180 Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
6181 when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
6182 all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
6183 of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
6184 @code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
6185 or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
6186
6187 @item show schedule-multiple
6188 Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
6189 multiple processes.
6190 @end table
6191
6192 @node Non-Stop Mode
6193 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
6194
6195 @cindex non-stop mode
6196
6197 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
6198 @c with more details.
6199
6200 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
6201 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
6202 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
6203 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
6204 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
6205 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
6206
6207 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
6208 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
6209 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
6210 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
6211 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
6212 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
6213 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
6214 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
6215 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
6216 independently and simultaneously.
6217
6218 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
6219 or attach to your program:
6220
6221 @smallexample
6222 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
6223 set pagination off
6224
6225 # Finally, turn it on!
6226 set non-stop on
6227 @end smallexample
6228
6229 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
6230
6231 @table @code
6232 @kindex set non-stop
6233 @item set non-stop on
6234 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
6235 @item set non-stop off
6236 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
6237 @kindex show non-stop
6238 @item show non-stop
6239 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
6240 @end table
6241
6242 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
6243 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
6244 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
6245 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
6246 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
6247 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
6248 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
6249 default.
6250
6251 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
6252 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
6253 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
6254
6255 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
6256 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
6257 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
6258 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
6259 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
6260
6261 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
6262 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
6263 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
6264 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
6265 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
6266
6267 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
6268
6269 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
6270 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
6271 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
6272 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
6273 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
6274 previously current thread.
6275
6276 @node Background Execution
6277 @subsection Background Execution
6278
6279 @cindex foreground execution
6280 @cindex background execution
6281 @cindex asynchronous execution
6282 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
6283
6284 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
6285 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
6286 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
6287 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
6288 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
6289 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
6290
6291 If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
6292 message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
6293
6294 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
6295 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
6296 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
6297 are:
6298
6299 @table @code
6300 @kindex run&
6301 @item run
6302 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
6303
6304 @item attach
6305 @kindex attach&
6306 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
6307
6308 @item step
6309 @kindex step&
6310 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
6311
6312 @item stepi
6313 @kindex stepi&
6314 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
6315
6316 @item next
6317 @kindex next&
6318 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
6319
6320 @item nexti
6321 @kindex nexti&
6322 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
6323
6324 @item continue
6325 @kindex continue&
6326 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
6327
6328 @item finish
6329 @kindex finish&
6330 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
6331
6332 @item until
6333 @kindex until&
6334 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
6335
6336 @end table
6337
6338 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
6339 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
6340 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
6341 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
6342 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
6343 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
6344
6345 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
6346 using the @code{interrupt} command.
6347
6348 @table @code
6349 @kindex interrupt
6350 @item interrupt
6351 @itemx interrupt -a
6352
6353 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
6354 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
6355 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
6356 use @code{interrupt -a}.
6357 @end table
6358
6359 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
6360 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
6361
6362 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
6363 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
6364 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
6365
6366 @table @code
6367 @cindex breakpoints and threads
6368 @cindex thread breakpoints
6369 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{thread-id}
6370 @item break @var{location} thread @var{thread-id}
6371 @itemx break @var{location} thread @var{thread-id} if @dots{}
6372 @var{location} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
6373 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
6374 specify some source line.
6375
6376 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} with a breakpoint command
6377 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
6378 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. The @var{thread-id} specifier
6379 is one of the thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown
6380 in the first column of the @samp{info threads} display.
6381
6382 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} when you set a
6383 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
6384 program.
6385
6386 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
6387 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} before or
6388 after the breakpoint condition, like this:
6389
6390 @smallexample
6391 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
6392 @end smallexample
6393
6394 @end table
6395
6396 Thread-specific breakpoints are automatically deleted when
6397 @value{GDBN} detects the corresponding thread is no longer in the
6398 thread list. For example:
6399
6400 @smallexample
6401 (@value{GDBP}) c
6402 Thread-specific breakpoint 3 deleted - thread 28 no longer in the thread list.
6403 @end smallexample
6404
6405 There are several ways for a thread to disappear, such as a regular
6406 thread exit, but also when you detach from the process with the
6407 @code{detach} command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running
6408 Process}), or if @value{GDBN} loses the remote connection
6409 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), etc. Note that with some targets,
6410 @value{GDBN} is only able to detect a thread has exited when the user
6411 explictly asks for the thread list with the @code{info threads}
6412 command.
6413
6414 @node Interrupted System Calls
6415 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
6416
6417 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
6418 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
6419 @cindex premature return from system calls
6420 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
6421 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
6422 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
6423 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
6424 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
6425 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
6426 stop execution.
6427
6428 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
6429 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
6430 style anyways.
6431
6432 For example, do not write code like this:
6433
6434 @smallexample
6435 sleep (10);
6436 @end smallexample
6437
6438 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
6439 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
6440
6441 Instead, write this:
6442
6443 @smallexample
6444 int unslept = 10;
6445 while (unslept > 0)
6446 unslept = sleep (unslept);
6447 @end smallexample
6448
6449 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
6450 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
6451 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
6452 @value{GDBN}.
6453
6454 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
6455 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
6456 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
6457 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
6458
6459 @node Observer Mode
6460 @subsection Observer Mode
6461
6462 If you want to build on non-stop mode and observe program behavior
6463 without any chance of disruption by @value{GDBN}, you can set
6464 variables to disable all of the debugger's attempts to modify state,
6465 whether by writing memory, inserting breakpoints, etc. These operate
6466 at a low level, intercepting operations from all commands.
6467
6468 When all of these are set to @code{off}, then @value{GDBN} is said to
6469 be @dfn{observer mode}. As a convenience, the variable
6470 @code{observer} can be set to disable these, plus enable non-stop
6471 mode.
6472
6473 Note that @value{GDBN} will not prevent you from making nonsensical
6474 combinations of these settings. For instance, if you have enabled
6475 @code{may-insert-breakpoints} but disabled @code{may-write-memory},
6476 then breakpoints that work by writing trap instructions into the code
6477 stream will still not be able to be placed.
6478
6479 @table @code
6480
6481 @kindex observer
6482 @item set observer on
6483 @itemx set observer off
6484 When set to @code{on}, this disables all the permission variables
6485 below (except for @code{insert-fast-tracepoints}), plus enables
6486 non-stop debugging. Setting this to @code{off} switches back to
6487 normal debugging, though remaining in non-stop mode.
6488
6489 @item show observer
6490 Show whether observer mode is on or off.
6491
6492 @kindex may-write-registers
6493 @item set may-write-registers on
6494 @itemx set may-write-registers off
6495 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the values of
6496 registers, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}, or the
6497 @code{jump} command. It defaults to @code{on}.
6498
6499 @item show may-write-registers
6500 Show the current permission to write registers.
6501
6502 @kindex may-write-memory
6503 @item set may-write-memory on
6504 @itemx set may-write-memory off
6505 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the contents
6506 of memory, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}. It
6507 defaults to @code{on}.
6508
6509 @item show may-write-memory
6510 Show the current permission to write memory.
6511
6512 @kindex may-insert-breakpoints
6513 @item set may-insert-breakpoints on
6514 @itemx set may-insert-breakpoints off
6515 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert breakpoints.
6516 This affects all breakpoints, including internal breakpoints defined
6517 by @value{GDBN}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6518
6519 @item show may-insert-breakpoints
6520 Show the current permission to insert breakpoints.
6521
6522 @kindex may-insert-tracepoints
6523 @item set may-insert-tracepoints on
6524 @itemx set may-insert-tracepoints off
6525 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert (regular)
6526 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
6527 non-fast tracepoints, fast tracepoints being under the control of
6528 @code{may-insert-fast-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6529
6530 @item show may-insert-tracepoints
6531 Show the current permission to insert tracepoints.
6532
6533 @kindex may-insert-fast-tracepoints
6534 @item set may-insert-fast-tracepoints on
6535 @itemx set may-insert-fast-tracepoints off
6536 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert fast
6537 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
6538 fast tracepoints, regular (non-fast) tracepoints being under the
6539 control of @code{may-insert-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6540
6541 @item show may-insert-fast-tracepoints
6542 Show the current permission to insert fast tracepoints.
6543
6544 @kindex may-interrupt
6545 @item set may-interrupt on
6546 @itemx set may-interrupt off
6547 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to interrupt or stop
6548 program execution. When this variable is @code{off}, the
6549 @code{interrupt} command will have no effect, nor will
6550 @kbd{Ctrl-c}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6551
6552 @item show may-interrupt
6553 Show the current permission to interrupt or stop the program.
6554
6555 @end table
6556
6557 @node Reverse Execution
6558 @chapter Running programs backward
6559 @cindex reverse execution
6560 @cindex running programs backward
6561
6562 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
6563 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
6564 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
6565 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
6566
6567 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
6568 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
6569 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
6570 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
6571 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
6572 all target environments can support reverse execution.
6573
6574 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
6575 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
6576 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
6577 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
6578 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
6579 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
6580 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
6581 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
6582 prior values@footnote{
6583 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
6584 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
6585 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
6586
6587 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
6588 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
6589 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
6590 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
6591 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
6592 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
6593 consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
6594 }.
6595
6596 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
6597 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
6598
6599 @table @code
6600 @kindex reverse-continue
6601 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
6602 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6603 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6604 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
6605 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
6606 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
6607 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
6608
6609 @kindex reverse-step
6610 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
6611 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6612 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
6613 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
6614
6615 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
6616 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
6617 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
6618 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
6619 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
6620 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
6621
6622 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
6623 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
6624
6625 @kindex reverse-stepi
6626 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
6627 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6628 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
6629 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
6630 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
6631 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
6632 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
6633
6634 @kindex reverse-next
6635 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
6636 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6637 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
6638 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
6639 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
6640 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
6641 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
6642 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
6643 line of a function back to its return to its caller
6644 @footnote{Unless the code is too heavily optimized.}.
6645
6646 @kindex reverse-nexti
6647 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
6648 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6649 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
6650 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
6651 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
6652 another function, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
6653 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
6654 frame) is reached.
6655
6656 @kindex reverse-finish
6657 @item reverse-finish
6658 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
6659 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
6660 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
6661 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
6662
6663 @kindex set exec-direction
6664 @item set exec-direction
6665 Set the direction of target execution.
6666 @item set exec-direction reverse
6667 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
6668 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
6669 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
6670 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
6671 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
6672 @item set exec-direction forward
6673 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
6674 This is the default.
6675 @end table
6676
6677
6678 @node Process Record and Replay
6679 @chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
6680 @cindex process record and replay
6681 @cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
6682
6683 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
6684 and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
6685 replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
6686
6687 @cindex replay mode
6688 When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
6689 for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
6690 mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
6691 instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
6692 code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
6693 really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
6694 program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
6695 changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
6696 execution log.
6697
6698 @cindex record mode
6699 If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
6700 @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
6701 inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
6702 for future replay.
6703
6704 The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
6705 (@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
6706 inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
6707 this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
6708 log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
6709 support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
6710
6711 When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
6712 replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
6713 previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
6714 platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
6715
6716 For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
6717 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
6718
6719 @table @code
6720 @kindex target record
6721 @kindex target record-full
6722 @kindex target record-btrace
6723 @kindex record
6724 @kindex record full
6725 @kindex record btrace
6726 @kindex record btrace bts
6727 @kindex record btrace pt
6728 @kindex record bts
6729 @kindex record pt
6730 @kindex rec
6731 @kindex rec full
6732 @kindex rec btrace
6733 @kindex rec btrace bts
6734 @kindex rec btrace pt
6735 @kindex rec bts
6736 @kindex rec pt
6737 @item record @var{method}
6738 This command starts the process record and replay target. The
6739 recording method can be specified as parameter. Without a parameter
6740 the command uses the @code{full} recording method. The following
6741 recording methods are available:
6742
6743 @table @code
6744 @item full
6745 Full record/replay recording using @value{GDBN}'s software record and
6746 replay implementation. This method allows replaying and reverse
6747 execution.
6748
6749 @item btrace @var{format}
6750 Hardware-supported instruction recording. This method does not record
6751 data. Further, the data is collected in a ring buffer so old data will
6752 be overwritten when the buffer is full. It allows limited reverse
6753 execution. Variables and registers are not available during reverse
6754 execution. In remote debugging, recording continues on disconnect.
6755 Recorded data can be inspected after reconnecting. The recording may
6756 be stopped using @code{record stop}.
6757
6758 The recording format can be specified as parameter. Without a parameter
6759 the command chooses the recording format. The following recording
6760 formats are available:
6761
6762 @table @code
6763 @item bts
6764 @cindex branch trace store
6765 Use the @dfn{Branch Trace Store} (@acronym{BTS}) recording format. In
6766 this format, the processor stores a from/to record for each executed
6767 branch in the btrace ring buffer.
6768
6769 @item pt
6770 @cindex Intel Processor Trace
6771 Use the @dfn{Intel Processor Trace} recording format. In this
6772 format, the processor stores the execution trace in a compressed form
6773 that is afterwards decoded by @value{GDBN}.
6774
6775 The trace can be recorded with very low overhead. The compressed
6776 trace format also allows small trace buffers to already contain a big
6777 number of instructions compared to @acronym{BTS}.
6778
6779 Decoding the recorded execution trace, on the other hand, is more
6780 expensive than decoding @acronym{BTS} trace. This is mostly due to the
6781 increased number of instructions to process. You should increase the
6782 buffer-size with care.
6783 @end table
6784
6785 Not all recording formats may be available on all processors.
6786 @end table
6787
6788 The process record and replay target can only debug a process that is
6789 already running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with
6790 the @kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording
6791 with the @kbd{record @var{method}} command.
6792
6793 @cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
6794 Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
6795 will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
6796 is started. That's because the process record and replay target
6797 doesn't support displaced stepping.
6798
6799 @cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
6800 @cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
6801 If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
6802 the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), not
6803 all recording methods are available. The @code{full} recording method
6804 does not support these two modes.
6805
6806 @kindex record stop
6807 @kindex rec s
6808 @item record stop
6809 Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
6810 replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
6811 inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
6812
6813 When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
6814 the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
6815 next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
6816 you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
6817 will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
6818
6819 On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
6820 while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
6821 but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
6822 at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
6823 usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
6824
6825 When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
6826 process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
6827
6828 @kindex record goto
6829 @item record goto
6830 Go to a specific location in the execution log. There are several
6831 ways to specify the location to go to:
6832
6833 @table @code
6834 @item record goto begin
6835 @itemx record goto start
6836 Go to the beginning of the execution log.
6837
6838 @item record goto end
6839 Go to the end of the execution log.
6840
6841 @item record goto @var{n}
6842 Go to instruction number @var{n} in the execution log.
6843 @end table
6844
6845 @kindex record save
6846 @item record save @var{filename}
6847 Save the execution log to a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6848 Default filename is @file{gdb_record.@var{process_id}}, where
6849 @var{process_id} is the process ID of the inferior.
6850
6851 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6852
6853 @kindex record restore
6854 @item record restore @var{filename}
6855 Restore the execution log from a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6856 File must have been created with @code{record save}.
6857
6858 @kindex set record full
6859 @item set record full insn-number-max @var{limit}
6860 @itemx set record full insn-number-max unlimited
6861 Set the limit of instructions to be recorded for the @code{full}
6862 recording method. Default value is 200000.
6863
6864 If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
6865 deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
6866 instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
6867 instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
6868 instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
6869 (Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
6870 lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
6871 the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
6872
6873 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will never
6874 delete recorded instructions from the execution log. The number of
6875 recorded instructions is limited only by the available memory.
6876
6877 @kindex show record full
6878 @item show record full insn-number-max
6879 Show the limit of instructions to be recorded with the @code{full}
6880 recording method.
6881
6882 @item set record full stop-at-limit
6883 Control the behavior of the @code{full} recording method when the
6884 number of recorded instructions reaches the limit. If ON (the
6885 default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit is reached for the
6886 first time and ask you whether you want to stop the inferior or
6887 continue running it and recording the execution log. If you decide
6888 to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will cause the
6889 oldest one to be deleted.
6890
6891 If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
6892 oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
6893
6894 @item show record full stop-at-limit
6895 Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
6896
6897 @item set record full memory-query
6898 Control the behavior when @value{GDBN} is unable to record memory
6899 changes caused by an instruction for the @code{full} recording method.
6900 If ON, @value{GDBN} will query whether to stop the inferior in that
6901 case.
6902
6903 If this option is OFF (the default), @value{GDBN} will automatically
6904 ignore the effect of such instructions on memory. Later, when
6905 @value{GDBN} replays this execution log, it will mark the log of this
6906 instruction as not accessible, and it will not affect the replay
6907 results.
6908
6909 @item show record full memory-query
6910 Show the current setting of @code{memory-query}.
6911
6912 @kindex set record btrace
6913 The @code{btrace} record target does not trace data. As a
6914 convenience, when replaying, @value{GDBN} reads read-only memory off
6915 the live program directly, assuming that the addresses of the
6916 read-only areas don't change. This for example makes it possible to
6917 disassemble code while replaying, but not to print variables.
6918 In some cases, being able to inspect variables might be useful.
6919 You can use the following command for that:
6920
6921 @item set record btrace replay-memory-access
6922 Control the behavior of the @code{btrace} recording method when
6923 accessing memory during replay. If @code{read-only} (the default),
6924 @value{GDBN} will only allow accesses to read-only memory.
6925 If @code{read-write}, @value{GDBN} will allow accesses to read-only
6926 and to read-write memory. Beware that the accessed memory corresponds
6927 to the live target and not necessarily to the current replay
6928 position.
6929
6930 @kindex show record btrace
6931 @item show record btrace replay-memory-access
6932 Show the current setting of @code{replay-memory-access}.
6933
6934 @kindex set record btrace bts
6935 @item set record btrace bts buffer-size @var{size}
6936 @itemx set record btrace bts buffer-size unlimited
6937 Set the requested ring buffer size for branch tracing in @acronym{BTS}
6938 format. Default is 64KB.
6939
6940 If @var{size} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will try to
6941 allocate a buffer of at least @var{size} bytes for each new thread
6942 that uses the btrace recording method and the @acronym{BTS} format.
6943 The actually obtained buffer size may differ from the requested
6944 @var{size}. Use the @code{info record} command to see the actual
6945 buffer size for each thread that uses the btrace recording method and
6946 the @acronym{BTS} format.
6947
6948 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will try to
6949 allocate a buffer of 4MB.
6950
6951 Bigger buffers mean longer traces. On the other hand, @value{GDBN} will
6952 also need longer to process the branch trace data before it can be used.
6953
6954 @item show record btrace bts buffer-size @var{size}
6955 Show the current setting of the requested ring buffer size for branch
6956 tracing in @acronym{BTS} format.
6957
6958 @kindex set record btrace pt
6959 @item set record btrace pt buffer-size @var{size}
6960 @itemx set record btrace pt buffer-size unlimited
6961 Set the requested ring buffer size for branch tracing in Intel
6962 Processor Trace format. Default is 16KB.
6963
6964 If @var{size} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will try to
6965 allocate a buffer of at least @var{size} bytes for each new thread
6966 that uses the btrace recording method and the Intel Processor Trace
6967 format. The actually obtained buffer size may differ from the
6968 requested @var{size}. Use the @code{info record} command to see the
6969 actual buffer size for each thread.
6970
6971 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will try to
6972 allocate a buffer of 4MB.
6973
6974 Bigger buffers mean longer traces. On the other hand, @value{GDBN} will
6975 also need longer to process the branch trace data before it can be used.
6976
6977 @item show record btrace pt buffer-size @var{size}
6978 Show the current setting of the requested ring buffer size for branch
6979 tracing in Intel Processor Trace format.
6980
6981 @kindex info record
6982 @item info record
6983 Show various statistics about the recording depending on the recording
6984 method:
6985
6986 @table @code
6987 @item full
6988 For the @code{full} recording method, it shows the state of process
6989 record and its in-memory execution log buffer, including:
6990
6991 @itemize @bullet
6992 @item
6993 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
6994 @item
6995 Lowest recorded instruction number (counting from when the current execution log started recording instructions).
6996 @item
6997 Highest recorded instruction number.
6998 @item
6999 Current instruction about to be replayed (if in replay mode).
7000 @item
7001 Number of instructions contained in the execution log.
7002 @item
7003 Maximum number of instructions that may be contained in the execution log.
7004 @end itemize
7005
7006 @item btrace
7007 For the @code{btrace} recording method, it shows:
7008
7009 @itemize @bullet
7010 @item
7011 Recording format.
7012 @item
7013 Number of instructions that have been recorded.
7014 @item
7015 Number of blocks of sequential control-flow formed by the recorded
7016 instructions.
7017 @item
7018 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
7019 @end itemize
7020
7021 For the @code{bts} recording format, it also shows:
7022 @itemize @bullet
7023 @item
7024 Size of the perf ring buffer.
7025 @end itemize
7026
7027 For the @code{pt} recording format, it also shows:
7028 @itemize @bullet
7029 @item
7030 Size of the perf ring buffer.
7031 @end itemize
7032 @end table
7033
7034 @kindex record delete
7035 @kindex rec del
7036 @item record delete
7037 When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
7038 subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
7039 from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
7040 recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
7041
7042 @kindex record instruction-history
7043 @kindex rec instruction-history
7044 @item record instruction-history
7045 Disassembles instructions from the recorded execution log. By
7046 default, ten instructions are disassembled. This can be changed using
7047 the @code{set record instruction-history-size} command. Instructions
7048 are printed in execution order.
7049
7050 It can also print mixed source+disassembly if you specify the the
7051 @code{/m} or @code{/s} modifier, and print the raw instructions in hex
7052 as well as in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r} modifier.
7053
7054 The current position marker is printed for the instruction at the
7055 current program counter value. This instruction can appear multiple
7056 times in the trace and the current position marker will be printed
7057 every time. To omit the current position marker, specify the
7058 @code{/p} modifier.
7059
7060 To better align the printed instructions when the trace contains
7061 instructions from more than one function, the function name may be
7062 omitted by specifying the @code{/f} modifier.
7063
7064 Speculatively executed instructions are prefixed with @samp{?}. This
7065 feature is not available for all recording formats.
7066
7067 There are several ways to specify what part of the execution log to
7068 disassemble:
7069
7070 @table @code
7071 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}
7072 Disassembles ten instructions starting from instruction number
7073 @var{insn}.
7074
7075 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}, +/-@var{n}
7076 Disassembles @var{n} instructions around instruction number
7077 @var{insn}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, disassembles
7078 @var{n} instructions after instruction number @var{insn}. If
7079 @var{n} is preceded with @code{-}, disassembles @var{n}
7080 instructions before instruction number @var{insn}.
7081
7082 @item record instruction-history
7083 Disassembles ten more instructions after the last disassembly.
7084
7085 @item record instruction-history -
7086 Disassembles ten more instructions before the last disassembly.
7087
7088 @item record instruction-history @var{begin}, @var{end}
7089 Disassembles instructions beginning with instruction number
7090 @var{begin} until instruction number @var{end}. The instruction
7091 number @var{end} is included.
7092 @end table
7093
7094 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
7095
7096 @kindex set record
7097 @item set record instruction-history-size @var{size}
7098 @itemx set record instruction-history-size unlimited
7099 Define how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
7100 instruction-history} command. The default value is 10.
7101 A @var{size} of @code{unlimited} means unlimited instructions.
7102
7103 @kindex show record
7104 @item show record instruction-history-size
7105 Show how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
7106 instruction-history} command.
7107
7108 @kindex record function-call-history
7109 @kindex rec function-call-history
7110 @item record function-call-history
7111 Prints the execution history at function granularity. It prints one
7112 line for each sequence of instructions that belong to the same
7113 function giving the name of that function, the source lines
7114 for this instruction sequence (if the @code{/l} modifier is
7115 specified), and the instructions numbers that form the sequence (if
7116 the @code{/i} modifier is specified). The function names are indented
7117 to reflect the call stack depth if the @code{/c} modifier is
7118 specified. The @code{/l}, @code{/i}, and @code{/c} modifiers can be
7119 given together.
7120
7121 @smallexample
7122 (@value{GDBP}) @b{list 1, 10}
7123 1 void foo (void)
7124 2 @{
7125 3 @}
7126 4
7127 5 void bar (void)
7128 6 @{
7129 7 ...
7130 8 foo ();
7131 9 ...
7132 10 @}
7133 (@value{GDBP}) @b{record function-call-history /ilc}
7134 1 bar inst 1,4 at foo.c:6,8
7135 2 foo inst 5,10 at foo.c:2,3
7136 3 bar inst 11,13 at foo.c:9,10
7137 @end smallexample
7138
7139 By default, ten lines are printed. This can be changed using the
7140 @code{set record function-call-history-size} command. Functions are
7141 printed in execution order. There are several ways to specify what
7142 to print:
7143
7144 @table @code
7145 @item record function-call-history @var{func}
7146 Prints ten functions starting from function number @var{func}.
7147
7148 @item record function-call-history @var{func}, +/-@var{n}
7149 Prints @var{n} functions around function number @var{func}. If
7150 @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, prints @var{n} functions after
7151 function number @var{func}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{-},
7152 prints @var{n} functions before function number @var{func}.
7153
7154 @item record function-call-history
7155 Prints ten more functions after the last ten-line print.
7156
7157 @item record function-call-history -
7158 Prints ten more functions before the last ten-line print.
7159
7160 @item record function-call-history @var{begin}, @var{end}
7161 Prints functions beginning with function number @var{begin} until
7162 function number @var{end}. The function number @var{end} is included.
7163 @end table
7164
7165 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
7166
7167 @item set record function-call-history-size @var{size}
7168 @itemx set record function-call-history-size unlimited
7169 Define how many lines to print in the
7170 @code{record function-call-history} command. The default value is 10.
7171 A size of @code{unlimited} means unlimited lines.
7172
7173 @item show record function-call-history-size
7174 Show how many lines to print in the
7175 @code{record function-call-history} command.
7176 @end table
7177
7178
7179 @node Stack
7180 @chapter Examining the Stack
7181
7182 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
7183 stopped and how it got there.
7184
7185 @cindex call stack
7186 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
7187 is generated.
7188 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
7189 the arguments of the call,
7190 and the local variables of the function being called.
7191 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
7192 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
7193 stack}.
7194
7195 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
7196 stack allow you to see all of this information.
7197
7198 @cindex selected frame
7199 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
7200 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
7201 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
7202 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
7203 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
7204 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7205
7206 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
7207 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
7208 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
7209
7210 @menu
7211 * Frames:: Stack frames
7212 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
7213 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
7214 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
7215 * Frame Filter Management:: Managing frame filters
7216
7217 @end menu
7218
7219 @node Frames
7220 @section Stack Frames
7221
7222 @cindex frame, definition
7223 @cindex stack frame
7224 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
7225 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
7226 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
7227 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
7228 which the function is executing.
7229
7230 @cindex initial frame
7231 @cindex outermost frame
7232 @cindex innermost frame
7233 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
7234 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
7235 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
7236 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
7237 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
7238 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
7239 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
7240 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
7241
7242 @cindex frame pointer
7243 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
7244 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
7245 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
7246 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
7247 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
7248 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
7249
7250 @cindex frame number
7251 @value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
7252 zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
7253 and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
7254 they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
7255 frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
7256
7257 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
7258 @c underflow problems.
7259 @cindex frameless execution
7260 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
7261 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
7262 @smallexample
7263 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
7264 @end smallexample
7265 generates functions without a frame.)
7266 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
7267 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
7268 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
7269 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
7270 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
7271 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
7272 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
7273
7274 @node Backtrace
7275 @section Backtraces
7276
7277 @cindex traceback
7278 @cindex call stack traces
7279 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
7280 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
7281 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
7282 stack.
7283
7284 @anchor{backtrace-command}
7285 @table @code
7286 @kindex backtrace
7287 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
7288 @item backtrace
7289 @itemx bt
7290 Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
7291 frames in the stack.
7292
7293 You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
7294 character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
7295
7296 @item backtrace @var{n}
7297 @itemx bt @var{n}
7298 Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
7299
7300 @item backtrace -@var{n}
7301 @itemx bt -@var{n}
7302 Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
7303
7304 @item backtrace full
7305 @itemx bt full
7306 @itemx bt full @var{n}
7307 @itemx bt full -@var{n}
7308 Print the values of the local variables also. As described above,
7309 @var{n} specifies the number of frames to print.
7310
7311 @item backtrace no-filters
7312 @itemx bt no-filters
7313 @itemx bt no-filters @var{n}
7314 @itemx bt no-filters -@var{n}
7315 @itemx bt no-filters full
7316 @itemx bt no-filters full @var{n}
7317 @itemx bt no-filters full -@var{n}
7318 Do not run Python frame filters on this backtrace. @xref{Frame
7319 Filter API}, for more information. Additionally use @ref{disable
7320 frame-filter all} to turn off all frame filters. This is only
7321 relevant when @value{GDBN} has been configured with @code{Python}
7322 support.
7323 @end table
7324
7325 @kindex where
7326 @kindex info stack
7327 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
7328 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
7329
7330 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
7331 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
7332 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
7333 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
7334 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
7335 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
7336 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
7337 multi-threaded program.
7338
7339 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
7340 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
7341 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
7342 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
7343 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
7344 line number.
7345
7346 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
7347 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
7348
7349 @smallexample
7350 @group
7351 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
7352 at builtin.c:993
7353 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
7354 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
7355 at macro.c:71
7356 (More stack frames follow...)
7357 @end group
7358 @end smallexample
7359
7360 @noindent
7361 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
7362 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
7363 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
7364
7365 @noindent
7366 The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
7367 @code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
7368 only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
7369 @kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
7370 on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
7371
7372 @cindex optimized out, in backtrace
7373 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
7374 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
7375 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
7376 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
7377 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
7378 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
7379 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
7380 such a backtrace might look like:
7381
7382 @smallexample
7383 @group
7384 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
7385 at builtin.c:993
7386 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<optimized out>) at macro.c:242
7387 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
7388 at macro.c:71
7389 (More stack frames follow...)
7390 @end group
7391 @end smallexample
7392
7393 @noindent
7394 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
7395 shown as @samp{<optimized out>}.
7396
7397 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
7398 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
7399 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
7400
7401 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
7402 @cindex program entry point
7403 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
7404 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
7405 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
7406 @code{main}@footnote{
7407 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
7408 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
7409 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
7410 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
7411 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
7412 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
7413
7414 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
7415 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
7416
7417 @table @code
7418 @item set backtrace past-main
7419 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
7420 @kindex set backtrace
7421 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
7422
7423 @item set backtrace past-main off
7424 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
7425 default.
7426
7427 @item show backtrace past-main
7428 @kindex show backtrace
7429 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
7430
7431 @item set backtrace past-entry
7432 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
7433 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
7434 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
7435 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
7436
7437 @item set backtrace past-entry off
7438 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
7439 application. This is the default.
7440
7441 @item show backtrace past-entry
7442 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
7443
7444 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
7445 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
7446 @itemx set backtrace limit unlimited
7447 @cindex backtrace limit
7448 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of @code{unlimited}
7449 or zero means unlimited levels.
7450
7451 @item show backtrace limit
7452 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
7453 @end table
7454
7455 You can control how file names are displayed.
7456
7457 @table @code
7458 @item set filename-display
7459 @itemx set filename-display relative
7460 @cindex filename-display
7461 Display file names relative to the compilation directory. This is the default.
7462
7463 @item set filename-display basename
7464 Display only basename of a filename.
7465
7466 @item set filename-display absolute
7467 Display an absolute filename.
7468
7469 @item show filename-display
7470 Show the current way to display filenames.
7471 @end table
7472
7473 @node Selection
7474 @section Selecting a Frame
7475
7476 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
7477 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
7478 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
7479 of the stack frame just selected.
7480
7481 @table @code
7482 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
7483 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
7484 @item frame @var{n}
7485 @itemx f @var{n}
7486 Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
7487 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
7488 innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
7489 @code{main}.
7490
7491 @item frame @var{stack-addr} [ @var{pc-addr} ]
7492 @itemx f @var{stack-addr} [ @var{pc-addr} ]
7493 Select the frame at address @var{stack-addr}. This is useful mainly if the
7494 chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
7495 impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
7496 addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
7497 switches between them. The optional @var{pc-addr} can also be given to
7498 specify the value of PC for the stack frame.
7499
7500 @kindex up
7501 @item up @var{n}
7502 Move @var{n} frames up the stack; @var{n} defaults to 1. For positive
7503 numbers @var{n}, this advances toward the outermost frame, to higher
7504 frame numbers, to frames that have existed longer.
7505
7506 @kindex down
7507 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
7508 @item down @var{n}
7509 Move @var{n} frames down the stack; @var{n} defaults to 1. For
7510 positive numbers @var{n}, this advances toward the innermost frame, to
7511 lower frame numbers, to frames that were created more recently.
7512 You may abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
7513 @end table
7514
7515 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
7516 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
7517 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
7518 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
7519
7520 @need 1000
7521 For example:
7522
7523 @smallexample
7524 @group
7525 (@value{GDBP}) up
7526 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
7527 at env.c:10
7528 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
7529 @end group
7530 @end smallexample
7531
7532 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
7533 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
7534 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
7535 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
7536 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
7537 for details.
7538
7539 @table @code
7540 @kindex select-frame
7541 @item select-frame
7542 The @code{select-frame} command is a variant of @code{frame} that does
7543 not display the new frame after selecting it. This command is
7544 intended primarily for use in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the
7545 output might be unnecessary and distracting.
7546
7547 @kindex down-silently
7548 @kindex up-silently
7549 @item up-silently @var{n}
7550 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
7551 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
7552 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
7553 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
7554 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
7555 distracting.
7556 @end table
7557
7558 @node Frame Info
7559 @section Information About a Frame
7560
7561 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
7562 stack frame.
7563
7564 @table @code
7565 @item frame
7566 @itemx f
7567 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
7568 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
7569 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
7570 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
7571 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7572
7573 @kindex info frame
7574 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
7575 @item info frame
7576 @itemx info f
7577 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
7578 including:
7579
7580 @itemize @bullet
7581 @item
7582 the address of the frame
7583 @item
7584 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
7585 @item
7586 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
7587 @item
7588 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
7589 @item
7590 the address of the frame's arguments
7591 @item
7592 the address of the frame's local variables
7593 @item
7594 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
7595 @item
7596 which registers were saved in the frame
7597 @end itemize
7598
7599 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
7600 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
7601 the usual conventions.
7602
7603 @item info frame @var{addr}
7604 @itemx info f @var{addr}
7605 Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
7606 selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
7607 command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
7608 architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
7609 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7610
7611 @kindex info args
7612 @item info args
7613 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
7614
7615 @item info locals
7616 @kindex info locals
7617 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
7618 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
7619 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
7620
7621 @end table
7622
7623 @node Frame Filter Management
7624 @section Management of Frame Filters.
7625 @cindex managing frame filters
7626
7627 Frame filters are Python based utilities to manage and decorate the
7628 output of frames. @xref{Frame Filter API}, for further information.
7629
7630 Managing frame filters is performed by several commands available
7631 within @value{GDBN}, detailed here.
7632
7633 @table @code
7634 @kindex info frame-filter
7635 @item info frame-filter
7636 Print a list of installed frame filters from all dictionaries, showing
7637 their name, priority and enabled status.
7638
7639 @kindex disable frame-filter
7640 @anchor{disable frame-filter all}
7641 @item disable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
7642 Disable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
7643 @var{filter-dictionary} and @var{filter-name}. The
7644 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
7645 @code{progspace}, or the name of the object file where the frame filter
7646 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters
7647 across all dictionaries are disabled. The @var{filter-name} is the name
7648 of the frame filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
7649 @var{filter-dictionary}. A disabled frame-filter is not deleted, it
7650 may be enabled again later.
7651
7652 @kindex enable frame-filter
7653 @item enable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
7654 Enable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
7655 @var{filter-dictionary} and @var{filter-name}. The
7656 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
7657 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
7658 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters across
7659 all dictionaries are enabled. The @var{filter-name} is the name of the frame
7660 filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
7661 @var{filter-dictionary}.
7662
7663 Example:
7664
7665 @smallexample
7666 (gdb) info frame-filter
7667
7668 global frame-filters:
7669 Priority Enabled Name
7670 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
7671 100 Yes Reverse
7672
7673 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7674 Priority Enabled Name
7675 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7676
7677 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7678 Priority Enabled Name
7679 999 Yes BuildProgra Filter
7680
7681 (gdb) disable frame-filter /build/test BuildProgramFilter
7682 (gdb) info frame-filter
7683
7684 global frame-filters:
7685 Priority Enabled Name
7686 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
7687 100 Yes Reverse
7688
7689 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7690 Priority Enabled Name
7691 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7692
7693 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7694 Priority Enabled Name
7695 999 No BuildProgramFilter
7696
7697 (gdb) enable frame-filter global PrimaryFunctionFilter
7698 (gdb) info frame-filter
7699
7700 global frame-filters:
7701 Priority Enabled Name
7702 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
7703 100 Yes Reverse
7704
7705 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7706 Priority Enabled Name
7707 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7708
7709 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7710 Priority Enabled Name
7711 999 No BuildProgramFilter
7712 @end smallexample
7713
7714 @kindex set frame-filter priority
7715 @item set frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name} @var{priority}
7716 Set the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
7717 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
7718 @var{filter-name}. The @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
7719 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
7720 dictionary resides. The @var{priority} is an integer.
7721
7722 @kindex show frame-filter priority
7723 @item show frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
7724 Show the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
7725 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
7726 @var{filter-name}. The @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
7727 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
7728 dictionary resides.
7729
7730 Example:
7731
7732 @smallexample
7733 (gdb) info frame-filter
7734
7735 global frame-filters:
7736 Priority Enabled Name
7737 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
7738 100 Yes Reverse
7739
7740 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7741 Priority Enabled Name
7742 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7743
7744 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7745 Priority Enabled Name
7746 999 No BuildProgramFilter
7747
7748 (gdb) set frame-filter priority global Reverse 50
7749 (gdb) info frame-filter
7750
7751 global frame-filters:
7752 Priority Enabled Name
7753 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
7754 50 Yes Reverse
7755
7756 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7757 Priority Enabled Name
7758 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7759
7760 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7761 Priority Enabled Name
7762 999 No BuildProgramFilter
7763 @end smallexample
7764 @end table
7765
7766 @node Source
7767 @chapter Examining Source Files
7768
7769 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
7770 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
7771 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
7772 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
7773 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
7774 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
7775 source files by explicit command.
7776
7777 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
7778 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
7779 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
7780
7781 @menu
7782 * List:: Printing source lines
7783 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
7784 * Edit:: Editing source files
7785 * Search:: Searching source files
7786 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
7787 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
7788 @end menu
7789
7790 @node List
7791 @section Printing Source Lines
7792
7793 @kindex list
7794 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
7795 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
7796 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
7797 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
7798 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
7799
7800 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
7801
7802 @table @code
7803 @item list @var{linenum}
7804 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
7805 current source file.
7806
7807 @item list @var{function}
7808 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
7809 @var{function}.
7810
7811 @item list
7812 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
7813 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
7814 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
7815 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
7816 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
7817
7818 @item list -
7819 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
7820 @end table
7821
7822 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
7823 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
7824 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
7825
7826 @table @code
7827 @kindex set listsize
7828 @item set listsize @var{count}
7829 @itemx set listsize unlimited
7830 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
7831 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
7832 Setting @var{count} to @code{unlimited} or 0 means there's no limit.
7833
7834 @kindex show listsize
7835 @item show listsize
7836 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
7837 @end table
7838
7839 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
7840 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
7841 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
7842 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
7843 each repetition moves up in the source file.
7844
7845 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
7846 @dfn{locations}. Locations specify source lines; there are several ways
7847 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
7848 to specify some source line.
7849
7850 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
7851
7852 @table @code
7853 @item list @var{location}
7854 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{location}.
7855
7856 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
7857 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
7858 locations. When a @code{list} command has two locations, and the
7859 source file of the second location is omitted, this refers to
7860 the same source file as the first location.
7861
7862 @item list ,@var{last}
7863 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
7864
7865 @item list @var{first},
7866 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
7867
7868 @item list +
7869 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
7870
7871 @item list -
7872 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
7873
7874 @item list
7875 As described in the preceding table.
7876 @end table
7877
7878 @node Specify Location
7879 @section Specifying a Location
7880 @cindex specifying location
7881 @cindex location
7882 @cindex source location
7883
7884 @menu
7885 * Linespec Locations:: Linespec locations
7886 * Explicit Locations:: Explicit locations
7887 * Address Locations:: Address locations
7888 @end menu
7889
7890 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
7891 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
7892 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code.
7893 Locations may be specified using three different formats:
7894 linespec locations, explicit locations, or address locations.
7895
7896 @node Linespec Locations
7897 @subsection Linespec Locations
7898 @cindex linespec locations
7899
7900 A @dfn{linespec} is a colon-separated list of source location parameters such
7901 as file name, function name, etc. Here are all the different ways of
7902 specifying a linespec:
7903
7904 @table @code
7905 @item @var{linenum}
7906 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
7907
7908 @item -@var{offset}
7909 @itemx +@var{offset}
7910 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
7911 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
7912 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
7913 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
7914 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
7915 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
7916 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
7917 linespec.
7918
7919 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
7920 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
7921 If @var{filename} is a relative file name, then it will match any
7922 source file name with the same trailing components. For example, if
7923 @var{filename} is @samp{gcc/expr.c}, then it will match source file
7924 name of @file{/build/trunk/gcc/expr.c}, but not
7925 @file{/build/trunk/libcpp/expr.c} or @file{/build/trunk/gcc/x-expr.c}.
7926
7927 @item @var{function}
7928 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
7929 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
7930
7931 By default, in C@t{++} and Ada, @var{function} is interpreted as
7932 specifying all functions named @var{function} in all scopes. For
7933 C@t{++}, this means in all namespaces and classes. For Ada, this
7934 means in all packages.
7935
7936 For example, assuming a program with C@t{++} symbols named
7937 @code{A::B::func} and @code{B::func}, both commands @w{@kbd{break
7938 func}} and @w{@kbd{break B::func}} set a breakpoint on both symbols.
7939
7940 Commands that accept a linespec let you override this with the
7941 @code{-qualified} option. For example, @w{@kbd{break -qualified
7942 func}} sets a breakpoint on a free-function named @code{func} ignoring
7943 any C@t{++} class methods and namespace functions called @code{func}.
7944
7945 @xref{Explicit Locations}.
7946
7947 @item @var{function}:@var{label}
7948 Specifies the line where @var{label} appears in @var{function}.
7949
7950 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
7951 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
7952 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
7953 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
7954 functions in different source files.
7955
7956 @item @var{label}
7957 Specifies the line at which the label named @var{label} appears
7958 in the function corresponding to the currently selected stack frame.
7959 If there is no current selected stack frame (for instance, if the inferior
7960 is not running), then @value{GDBN} will not search for a label.
7961
7962 @cindex breakpoint at static probe point
7963 @item -pstap|-probe-stap @r{[}@var{objfile}:@r{[}@var{provider}:@r{]}@r{]}@var{name}
7964 The @sc{gnu}/Linux tool @code{SystemTap} provides a way for
7965 applications to embed static probes. @xref{Static Probe Points}, for more
7966 information on finding and using static probes. This form of linespec
7967 specifies the location of such a static probe.
7968
7969 If @var{objfile} is given, only probes coming from that shared library
7970 or executable matching @var{objfile} as a regular expression are considered.
7971 If @var{provider} is given, then only probes from that provider are considered.
7972 If several probes match the spec, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at
7973 each one of those probes.
7974 @end table
7975
7976 @node Explicit Locations
7977 @subsection Explicit Locations
7978 @cindex explicit locations
7979
7980 @dfn{Explicit locations} allow the user to directly specify the source
7981 location's parameters using option-value pairs.
7982
7983 Explicit locations are useful when several functions, labels, or
7984 file names have the same name (base name for files) in the program's
7985 sources. In these cases, explicit locations point to the source
7986 line you meant more accurately and unambiguously. Also, using
7987 explicit locations might be faster in large programs.
7988
7989 For example, the linespec @samp{foo:bar} may refer to a function @code{bar}
7990 defined in the file named @file{foo} or the label @code{bar} in a function
7991 named @code{foo}. @value{GDBN} must search either the file system or
7992 the symbol table to know.
7993
7994 The list of valid explicit location options is summarized in the
7995 following table:
7996
7997 @table @code
7998 @item -source @var{filename}
7999 The value specifies the source file name. To differentiate between
8000 files with the same base name, prepend as many directories as is necessary
8001 to uniquely identify the desired file, e.g., @file{foo/bar/baz.c}. Otherwise
8002 @value{GDBN} will use the first file it finds with the given base
8003 name. This option requires the use of either @code{-function} or @code{-line}.
8004
8005 @item -function @var{function}
8006 The value specifies the name of a function. Operations
8007 on function locations unmodified by other options (such as @code{-label}
8008 or @code{-line}) refer to the line that begins the body of the function.
8009 In C, for example, this is the line with the open brace.
8010
8011 By default, in C@t{++} and Ada, @var{function} is interpreted as
8012 specifying all functions named @var{function} in all scopes. For
8013 C@t{++}, this means in all namespaces and classes. For Ada, this
8014 means in all packages.
8015
8016 For example, assuming a program with C@t{++} symbols named
8017 @code{A::B::func} and @code{B::func}, both commands @w{@kbd{break
8018 -function func}} and @w{@kbd{break -function B::func}} set a
8019 breakpoint on both symbols.
8020
8021 You can use the @kbd{-qualified} flag to override this (see below).
8022
8023 @item -qualified
8024
8025 This flag makes @value{GDBN} interpret a function name specified with
8026 @kbd{-function} as a complete fully-qualified name.
8027
8028 For example, assuming a C@t{++} program with symbols named
8029 @code{A::B::func} and @code{B::func}, the @w{@kbd{break -qualified
8030 -function B::func}} command sets a breakpoint on @code{B::func}, only.
8031
8032 (Note: the @kbd{-qualified} option can precede a linespec as well
8033 (@pxref{Linespec Locations}), so the particular example above could be
8034 simplified as @w{@kbd{break -qualified B::func}}.)
8035
8036 @item -label @var{label}
8037 The value specifies the name of a label. When the function
8038 name is not specified, the label is searched in the function of the currently
8039 selected stack frame.
8040
8041 @item -line @var{number}
8042 The value specifies a line offset for the location. The offset may either
8043 be absolute (@code{-line 3}) or relative (@code{-line +3}), depending on
8044 the command. When specified without any other options, the line offset is
8045 relative to the current line.
8046 @end table
8047
8048 Explicit location options may be abbreviated by omitting any non-unique
8049 trailing characters from the option name, e.g., @w{@kbd{break -s main.c -li 3}}.
8050
8051 @node Address Locations
8052 @subsection Address Locations
8053 @cindex address locations
8054
8055 @dfn{Address locations} indicate a specific program address. They have
8056 the generalized form *@var{address}.
8057
8058 For line-oriented commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this
8059 specifies a source line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and
8060 other breakpoint-oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
8061 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
8062 source files.
8063
8064 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
8065 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
8066 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
8067 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover several situations
8068 that frequently occur during debugging. Here are the various forms
8069 of @var{address}:
8070
8071 @table @code
8072 @item @var{expression}
8073 Any expression valid in the current working language.
8074
8075 @item @var{funcaddr}
8076 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
8077 C@t{++}, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
8078 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
8079 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
8080 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
8081 (although the Pascal form also works).
8082
8083 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
8084 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
8085
8086 @item '@var{filename}':@var{funcaddr}
8087 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
8088 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
8089 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
8090 functions with identical names in different source files.
8091 @end table
8092
8093 @node Edit
8094 @section Editing Source Files
8095 @cindex editing source files
8096
8097 @kindex edit
8098 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
8099 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
8100 The editing program of your choice
8101 is invoked with the current line set to
8102 the active line in the program.
8103 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
8104 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
8105
8106 @table @code
8107 @item edit @var{location}
8108 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
8109 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
8110 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
8111 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
8112 command most commonly used:
8113
8114 @table @code
8115 @item edit @var{number}
8116 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
8117
8118 @item edit @var{function}
8119 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
8120 @end table
8121
8122 @end table
8123
8124 @subsection Choosing your Editor
8125 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
8126 @footnote{
8127 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
8128 following command-line syntax:
8129 @smallexample
8130 ex +@var{number} file
8131 @end smallexample
8132 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
8133 the file where to start editing.}.
8134 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
8135 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
8136 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
8137 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
8138 @smallexample
8139 EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
8140 export EDITOR
8141 gdb @dots{}
8142 @end smallexample
8143 or in the @code{csh} shell,
8144 @smallexample
8145 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
8146 gdb @dots{}
8147 @end smallexample
8148
8149 @node Search
8150 @section Searching Source Files
8151 @cindex searching source files
8152
8153 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
8154 regular expression.
8155
8156 @table @code
8157 @kindex search
8158 @kindex forward-search
8159 @kindex fo @r{(@code{forward-search})}
8160 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
8161 @itemx search @var{regexp}
8162 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
8163 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
8164 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
8165 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
8166 @code{fo}.
8167
8168 @kindex reverse-search
8169 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
8170 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
8171 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
8172 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
8173 this command as @code{rev}.
8174 @end table
8175
8176 @node Source Path
8177 @section Specifying Source Directories
8178
8179 @cindex source path
8180 @cindex directories for source files
8181 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
8182 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
8183 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
8184 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
8185 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
8186 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
8187 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
8188
8189 For example, suppose an executable references the file
8190 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
8191 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
8192 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
8193 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
8194 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
8195 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
8196 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
8197 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
8198 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
8199 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
8200
8201 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
8202 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
8203 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
8204 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
8205 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
8206 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
8207
8208 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
8209 source files.
8210
8211 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
8212 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
8213 each line is in the file.
8214
8215 @kindex directory
8216 @kindex dir
8217 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
8218 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
8219 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
8220
8221 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
8222 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
8223
8224 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
8225 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
8226 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
8227 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
8228 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
8229 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
8230 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
8231 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
8232 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
8233 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
8234 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
8235 name to look up the sources.
8236
8237 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
8238 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
8239 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
8240 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
8241 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
8242 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
8243 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
8244 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
8245
8246 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
8247 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
8248 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
8249 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
8250 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
8251 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
8252 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
8253
8254 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
8255 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
8256 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
8257 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
8258 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
8259 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
8260 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
8261 command.
8262
8263 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
8264 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
8265 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
8266 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
8267 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
8268 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
8269 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
8270
8271 @cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
8272 @cindex default source path substitution
8273 You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
8274 configuring @value{GDBN} with the
8275 @samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
8276 should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
8277 prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
8278 directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
8279 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
8280 location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
8281 with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
8282 together.
8283
8284 @table @code
8285 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
8286 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
8287 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
8288 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
8289 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
8290 part of absolute file names) or
8291 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
8292 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
8293
8294 @kindex cdir
8295 @kindex cwd
8296 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
8297 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
8298 @cindex compilation directory
8299 @cindex current directory
8300 @cindex working directory
8301 @cindex directory, current
8302 @cindex directory, compilation
8303 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
8304 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
8305 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
8306 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
8307 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
8308 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
8309
8310 @item directory
8311 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
8312
8313 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
8314 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
8315
8316 @item set directories @var{path-list}
8317 @kindex set directories
8318 Set the source path to @var{path-list}.
8319 @samp{$cdir:$cwd} are added if missing.
8320
8321 @item show directories
8322 @kindex show directories
8323 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
8324
8325 @anchor{set substitute-path}
8326 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
8327 @kindex set substitute-path
8328 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
8329 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
8330 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
8331
8332 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
8333 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
8334
8335 @smallexample
8336 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /foo/bar /mnt/cross
8337 @end smallexample
8338
8339 @noindent
8340 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/foo/bar} with
8341 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
8342 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
8343
8344 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
8345 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
8346 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
8347 the substitution.
8348
8349 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
8350
8351 @smallexample
8352 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
8353 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
8354 @end smallexample
8355
8356 @noindent
8357 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
8358 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
8359 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
8360 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
8361
8362
8363 @item unset substitute-path [path]
8364 @kindex unset substitute-path
8365 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
8366 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
8367 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
8368
8369 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
8370
8371 @item show substitute-path [path]
8372 @kindex show substitute-path
8373 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
8374 which would rewrite that path, if any.
8375
8376 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
8377 rules.
8378
8379 @end table
8380
8381 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
8382 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
8383 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
8384
8385 @enumerate
8386 @item
8387 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
8388
8389 @item
8390 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
8391 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
8392 directories in one command.
8393 @end enumerate
8394
8395 @node Machine Code
8396 @section Source and Machine Code
8397 @cindex source line and its code address
8398
8399 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
8400 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
8401 a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
8402 @code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
8403 source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
8404 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
8405 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
8406 well as hex.
8407
8408 @table @code
8409 @kindex info line
8410 @item info line @var{location}
8411 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
8412 source line @var{location}. You can specify source lines in any of
8413 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
8414 @end table
8415
8416 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
8417 the object code for the first line of function
8418 @code{m4_changequote}:
8419
8420 @c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
8421 @c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
8422 @smallexample
8423 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
8424 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
8425 @end smallexample
8426
8427 @noindent
8428 @cindex code address and its source line
8429 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
8430 @var{location}) what source line covers a particular address:
8431 @smallexample
8432 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
8433 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
8434 @end smallexample
8435
8436 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
8437 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
8438 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
8439 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
8440 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
8441 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
8442 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
8443 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
8444 Variables}).
8445
8446 @table @code
8447 @kindex disassemble
8448 @cindex assembly instructions
8449 @cindex instructions, assembly
8450 @cindex machine instructions
8451 @cindex listing machine instructions
8452 @item disassemble
8453 @itemx disassemble /m
8454 @itemx disassemble /s
8455 @itemx disassemble /r
8456 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
8457 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
8458 the @code{/m} or @code{/s} modifier and print the raw instructions in hex
8459 as well as in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r} modifier.
8460 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
8461 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
8462 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
8463 surrounding this value. When two arguments are given, they should
8464 be separated by a comma, possibly surrounded by whitespace. The
8465 arguments specify a range of addresses to dump, in one of two forms:
8466
8467 @table @code
8468 @item @var{start},@var{end}
8469 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to @var{end} (exclusive)
8470 @item @var{start},+@var{length}
8471 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to
8472 @code{@var{start}+@var{length}} (exclusive).
8473 @end table
8474
8475 @noindent
8476 When 2 arguments are specified, the name of the function is also
8477 printed (since there could be several functions in the given range).
8478
8479 The argument(s) can be any expression yielding a numeric value, such as
8480 @samp{0x32c4}, @samp{&main+10} or @samp{$pc - 8}.
8481
8482 If the range of memory being disassembled contains current program counter,
8483 the instruction at that location is shown with a @code{=>} marker.
8484 @end table
8485
8486 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
8487 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
8488
8489 @smallexample
8490 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4, 0x32e4
8491 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
8492 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
8493 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
8494 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
8495 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
8496 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
8497 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
8498 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
8499 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
8500 End of assembler dump.
8501 @end smallexample
8502
8503 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86
8504 with @code{/m} or @code{/s}, when the program is stopped just after
8505 function prologue in a non-optimized function with no inline code.
8506
8507 @smallexample
8508 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
8509 Dump of assembler code for function main:
8510 5 @{
8511 0x08048330 <+0>: push %ebp
8512 0x08048331 <+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
8513 0x08048333 <+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
8514 0x08048336 <+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
8515 0x08048339 <+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
8516
8517 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
8518 => 0x0804833c <+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
8519 0x08048343 <+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
8520
8521 7 return 0;
8522 8 @}
8523 0x08048348 <+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
8524 0x0804834d <+29>: leave
8525 0x0804834e <+30>: ret
8526
8527 End of assembler dump.
8528 @end smallexample
8529
8530 The @code{/m} option is deprecated as its output is not useful when
8531 there is either inlined code or re-ordered code.
8532 The @code{/s} option is the preferred choice.
8533 Here is an example for AMD x86-64 showing the difference between
8534 @code{/m} output and @code{/s} output.
8535 This example has one inline function defined in a header file,
8536 and the code is compiled with @samp{-O2} optimization.
8537 Note how the @code{/m} output is missing the disassembly of
8538 several instructions that are present in the @code{/s} output.
8539
8540 @file{foo.h}:
8541
8542 @smallexample
8543 int
8544 foo (int a)
8545 @{
8546 if (a < 0)
8547 return a * 2;
8548 if (a == 0)
8549 return 1;
8550 return a + 10;
8551 @}
8552 @end smallexample
8553
8554 @file{foo.c}:
8555
8556 @smallexample
8557 #include "foo.h"
8558 volatile int x, y;
8559 int
8560 main ()
8561 @{
8562 x = foo (y);
8563 return 0;
8564 @}
8565 @end smallexample
8566
8567 @smallexample
8568 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
8569 Dump of assembler code for function main:
8570 5 @{
8571
8572 6 x = foo (y);
8573 0x0000000000400400 <+0>: mov 0x200c2e(%rip),%eax # 0x601034 <y>
8574 0x0000000000400417 <+23>: mov %eax,0x200c13(%rip) # 0x601030 <x>
8575
8576 7 return 0;
8577 8 @}
8578 0x000000000040041d <+29>: xor %eax,%eax
8579 0x000000000040041f <+31>: retq
8580 0x0000000000400420 <+32>: add %eax,%eax
8581 0x0000000000400422 <+34>: jmp 0x400417 <main+23>
8582
8583 End of assembler dump.
8584 (@value{GDBP}) disas /s main
8585 Dump of assembler code for function main:
8586 foo.c:
8587 5 @{
8588 6 x = foo (y);
8589 0x0000000000400400 <+0>: mov 0x200c2e(%rip),%eax # 0x601034 <y>
8590
8591 foo.h:
8592 4 if (a < 0)
8593 0x0000000000400406 <+6>: test %eax,%eax
8594 0x0000000000400408 <+8>: js 0x400420 <main+32>
8595
8596 6 if (a == 0)
8597 7 return 1;
8598 8 return a + 10;
8599 0x000000000040040a <+10>: lea 0xa(%rax),%edx
8600 0x000000000040040d <+13>: test %eax,%eax
8601 0x000000000040040f <+15>: mov $0x1,%eax
8602 0x0000000000400414 <+20>: cmovne %edx,%eax
8603
8604 foo.c:
8605 6 x = foo (y);
8606 0x0000000000400417 <+23>: mov %eax,0x200c13(%rip) # 0x601030 <x>
8607
8608 7 return 0;
8609 8 @}
8610 0x000000000040041d <+29>: xor %eax,%eax
8611 0x000000000040041f <+31>: retq
8612
8613 foo.h:
8614 5 return a * 2;
8615 0x0000000000400420 <+32>: add %eax,%eax
8616 0x0000000000400422 <+34>: jmp 0x400417 <main+23>
8617 End of assembler dump.
8618 @end smallexample
8619
8620 Here is another example showing raw instructions in hex for AMD x86-64,
8621
8622 @smallexample
8623 (gdb) disas /r 0x400281,+10
8624 Dump of assembler code from 0x400281 to 0x40028b:
8625 0x0000000000400281: 38 36 cmp %dh,(%rsi)
8626 0x0000000000400283: 2d 36 34 2e 73 sub $0x732e3436,%eax
8627 0x0000000000400288: 6f outsl %ds:(%rsi),(%dx)
8628 0x0000000000400289: 2e 32 00 xor %cs:(%rax),%al
8629 End of assembler dump.
8630 @end smallexample
8631
8632 Addresses cannot be specified as a location (@pxref{Specify Location}).
8633 So, for example, if you want to disassemble function @code{bar}
8634 in file @file{foo.c}, you must type @samp{disassemble 'foo.c'::bar}
8635 and not @samp{disassemble foo.c:bar}.
8636
8637 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
8638 mnemonics or other syntax.
8639
8640 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
8641 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
8642 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
8643 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
8644 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
8645
8646 @table @code
8647 @kindex set disassembler-options
8648 @cindex disassembler options
8649 @item set disassembler-options @var{option1}[,@var{option2}@dots{}]
8650 This command controls the passing of target specific information to
8651 the disassembler. For a list of valid options, please refer to the
8652 @code{-M}/@code{--disassembler-options} section of the @samp{objdump}
8653 manual and/or the output of @kbd{objdump --help}
8654 (@pxref{objdump,,objdump,binutils.info,The GNU Binary Utilities}).
8655 The default value is the empty string.
8656
8657 If it is necessary to specify more than one disassembler option, then
8658 multiple options can be placed together into a comma separated list.
8659 Currently this command is only supported on targets ARM, PowerPC
8660 and S/390.
8661
8662 @kindex show disassembler-options
8663 @item show disassembler-options
8664 Show the current setting of the disassembler options.
8665 @end table
8666
8667 @table @code
8668 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
8669 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
8670 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
8671 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
8672 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
8673 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
8674
8675 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
8676 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
8677 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
8678 assemblers for x86-based targets.
8679
8680 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
8681 @item show disassembly-flavor
8682 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
8683 @end table
8684
8685 @table @code
8686 @kindex set disassemble-next-line
8687 @kindex show disassemble-next-line
8688 @item set disassemble-next-line
8689 @itemx show disassemble-next-line
8690 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
8691 line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
8692 display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
8693 program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
8694 displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
8695 possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
8696 (e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
8697 info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
8698 next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
8699 AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
8700 if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
8701 @value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
8702 with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
8703 OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
8704 instruction.
8705 @end table
8706
8707
8708 @node Data
8709 @chapter Examining Data
8710
8711 @cindex printing data
8712 @cindex examining data
8713 @kindex print
8714 @kindex inspect
8715 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
8716 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
8717 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
8718 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
8719 Different Languages}). It may also print the expression using a
8720 Python-based pretty-printer (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
8721
8722 @table @code
8723 @item print @var{expr}
8724 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
8725 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
8726 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
8727 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
8728 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
8729 Formats}.
8730
8731 @item print
8732 @itemx print /@var{f}
8733 @cindex reprint the last value
8734 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
8735 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
8736 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
8737 @end table
8738
8739 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
8740 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
8741 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
8742
8743 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
8744 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
8745 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
8746 Table}.
8747
8748 @cindex exploring hierarchical data structures
8749 @kindex explore
8750 Another way of examining values of expressions and type information is
8751 through the Python extension command @code{explore} (available only if
8752 the @value{GDBN} build is configured with @code{--with-python}). It
8753 offers an interactive way to start at the highest level (or, the most
8754 abstract level) of the data type of an expression (or, the data type
8755 itself) and explore all the way down to leaf scalar values/fields
8756 embedded in the higher level data types.
8757
8758 @table @code
8759 @item explore @var{arg}
8760 @var{arg} is either an expression (in the source language), or a type
8761 visible in the current context of the program being debugged.
8762 @end table
8763
8764 The working of the @code{explore} command can be illustrated with an
8765 example. If a data type @code{struct ComplexStruct} is defined in your
8766 C program as
8767
8768 @smallexample
8769 struct SimpleStruct
8770 @{
8771 int i;
8772 double d;
8773 @};
8774
8775 struct ComplexStruct
8776 @{
8777 struct SimpleStruct *ss_p;
8778 int arr[10];
8779 @};
8780 @end smallexample
8781
8782 @noindent
8783 followed by variable declarations as
8784
8785 @smallexample
8786 struct SimpleStruct ss = @{ 10, 1.11 @};
8787 struct ComplexStruct cs = @{ &ss, @{ 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 @} @};
8788 @end smallexample
8789
8790 @noindent
8791 then, the value of the variable @code{cs} can be explored using the
8792 @code{explore} command as follows.
8793
8794 @smallexample
8795 (gdb) explore cs
8796 The value of `cs' is a struct/class of type `struct ComplexStruct' with
8797 the following fields:
8798
8799 ss_p = <Enter 0 to explore this field of type `struct SimpleStruct *'>
8800 arr = <Enter 1 to explore this field of type `int [10]'>
8801
8802 Enter the field number of choice:
8803 @end smallexample
8804
8805 @noindent
8806 Since the fields of @code{cs} are not scalar values, you are being
8807 prompted to chose the field you want to explore. Let's say you choose
8808 the field @code{ss_p} by entering @code{0}. Then, since this field is a
8809 pointer, you will be asked if it is pointing to a single value. From
8810 the declaration of @code{cs} above, it is indeed pointing to a single
8811 value, hence you enter @code{y}. If you enter @code{n}, then you will
8812 be asked if it were pointing to an array of values, in which case this
8813 field will be explored as if it were an array.
8814
8815 @smallexample
8816 `cs.ss_p' is a pointer to a value of type `struct SimpleStruct'
8817 Continue exploring it as a pointer to a single value [y/n]: y
8818 The value of `*(cs.ss_p)' is a struct/class of type `struct
8819 SimpleStruct' with the following fields:
8820
8821 i = 10 .. (Value of type `int')
8822 d = 1.1100000000000001 .. (Value of type `double')
8823
8824 Press enter to return to parent value:
8825 @end smallexample
8826
8827 @noindent
8828 If the field @code{arr} of @code{cs} was chosen for exploration by
8829 entering @code{1} earlier, then since it is as array, you will be
8830 prompted to enter the index of the element in the array that you want
8831 to explore.
8832
8833 @smallexample
8834 `cs.arr' is an array of `int'.
8835 Enter the index of the element you want to explore in `cs.arr': 5
8836
8837 `(cs.arr)[5]' is a scalar value of type `int'.
8838
8839 (cs.arr)[5] = 4
8840
8841 Press enter to return to parent value:
8842 @end smallexample
8843
8844 In general, at any stage of exploration, you can go deeper towards the
8845 leaf values by responding to the prompts appropriately, or hit the
8846 return key to return to the enclosing data structure (the @i{higher}
8847 level data structure).
8848
8849 Similar to exploring values, you can use the @code{explore} command to
8850 explore types. Instead of specifying a value (which is typically a
8851 variable name or an expression valid in the current context of the
8852 program being debugged), you specify a type name. If you consider the
8853 same example as above, your can explore the type
8854 @code{struct ComplexStruct} by passing the argument
8855 @code{struct ComplexStruct} to the @code{explore} command.
8856
8857 @smallexample
8858 (gdb) explore struct ComplexStruct
8859 @end smallexample
8860
8861 @noindent
8862 By responding to the prompts appropriately in the subsequent interactive
8863 session, you can explore the type @code{struct ComplexStruct} in a
8864 manner similar to how the value @code{cs} was explored in the above
8865 example.
8866
8867 The @code{explore} command also has two sub-commands,
8868 @code{explore value} and @code{explore type}. The former sub-command is
8869 a way to explicitly specify that value exploration of the argument is
8870 being invoked, while the latter is a way to explicitly specify that type
8871 exploration of the argument is being invoked.
8872
8873 @table @code
8874 @item explore value @var{expr}
8875 @cindex explore value
8876 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the value of the
8877 expression @var{expr} (if @var{expr} is an expression valid in the
8878 current context of the program being debugged). The behavior of this
8879 command is identical to that of the behavior of the @code{explore}
8880 command being passed the argument @var{expr}.
8881
8882 @item explore type @var{arg}
8883 @cindex explore type
8884 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the type of @var{arg} (if
8885 @var{arg} is a type visible in the current context of program being
8886 debugged), or the type of the value/expression @var{arg} (if @var{arg}
8887 is an expression valid in the current context of the program being
8888 debugged). If @var{arg} is a type, then the behavior of this command is
8889 identical to that of the @code{explore} command being passed the
8890 argument @var{arg}. If @var{arg} is an expression, then the behavior of
8891 this command will be identical to that of the @code{explore} command
8892 being passed the type of @var{arg} as the argument.
8893 @end table
8894
8895 @menu
8896 * Expressions:: Expressions
8897 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
8898 * Variables:: Program variables
8899 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
8900 * Output Formats:: Output formats
8901 * Memory:: Examining memory
8902 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
8903 * Print Settings:: Print settings
8904 * Pretty Printing:: Python pretty printing
8905 * Value History:: Value history
8906 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
8907 * Convenience Funs:: Convenience functions
8908 * Registers:: Registers
8909 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
8910 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
8911 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
8912 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
8913 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
8914 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
8915 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
8916 character set than GDB does
8917 * Caching Target Data:: Data caching for targets
8918 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
8919 * Value Sizes:: Managing memory allocated for values
8920 @end menu
8921
8922 @node Expressions
8923 @section Expressions
8924
8925 @cindex expressions
8926 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
8927 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
8928 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
8929 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
8930 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
8931 you compiled your program to include this information; see
8932 @ref{Compilation}.
8933
8934 @cindex arrays in expressions
8935 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
8936 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
8937 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
8938 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
8939 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
8940 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
8941
8942 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
8943 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
8944 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
8945 languages.
8946
8947 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
8948 expressions regardless of your programming language.
8949
8950 @cindex casts, in expressions
8951 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
8952 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
8953 at that address in memory.
8954 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
8955
8956 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
8957 to programming languages:
8958
8959 @table @code
8960 @item @@
8961 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
8962 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
8963
8964 @item ::
8965 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
8966 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
8967
8968 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
8969 @cindex type casting memory
8970 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
8971 @cindex casts, to view memory
8972 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
8973 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
8974 memory. The address @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is
8975 an integer or pointer (but parentheses are required around binary
8976 operators, just as in a cast). This construct is allowed regardless
8977 of what kind of data is normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
8978 @end table
8979
8980 @node Ambiguous Expressions
8981 @section Ambiguous Expressions
8982 @cindex ambiguous expressions
8983
8984 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
8985 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
8986 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
8987 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
8988 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
8989 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
8990 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
8991
8992 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
8993 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
8994 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
8995 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
8996 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
8997 as well.
8998
8999 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
9000 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
9001 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
9002 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
9003 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
9004 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
9005 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
9006 choices.
9007
9008 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
9009 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
9010 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
9011
9012 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
9013 @smallexample
9014 @group
9015 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
9016 [0] cancel
9017 [1] all
9018 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
9019 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
9020 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
9021 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
9022 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
9023 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
9024 > 2 4 6
9025 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
9026 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
9027 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
9028 Multiple breakpoints were set.
9029 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
9030 breakpoints.
9031 (@value{GDBP})
9032 @end group
9033 @end smallexample
9034
9035 @table @code
9036 @kindex set multiple-symbols
9037 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
9038 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
9039
9040 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
9041 is ambiguous.
9042
9043 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
9044 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
9045 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
9046 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
9047 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
9048 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
9049 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
9050 in the use of the menu.
9051
9052 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
9053 when an ambiguity is detected.
9054
9055 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
9056 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
9057
9058 @kindex show multiple-symbols
9059 @item show multiple-symbols
9060 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
9061 @end table
9062
9063 @node Variables
9064 @section Program Variables
9065
9066 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
9067 in your program.
9068
9069 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
9070 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
9071
9072 @itemize @bullet
9073 @item
9074 global (or file-static)
9075 @end itemize
9076
9077 @noindent or
9078
9079 @itemize @bullet
9080 @item
9081 visible according to the scope rules of the
9082 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
9083 @end itemize
9084
9085 @noindent This means that in the function
9086
9087 @smallexample
9088 foo (a)
9089 int a;
9090 @{
9091 bar (a);
9092 @{
9093 int b = test ();
9094 bar (b);
9095 @}
9096 @}
9097 @end smallexample
9098
9099 @noindent
9100 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
9101 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
9102 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
9103 the block where @code{b} is declared.
9104
9105 @cindex variable name conflict
9106 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
9107 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
9108 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
9109 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
9110 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
9111 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file by
9112 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
9113
9114 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
9115 @ifnotinfo
9116 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
9117 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
9118 @end ifnotinfo
9119 @smallexample
9120 @var{file}::@var{variable}
9121 @var{function}::@var{variable}
9122 @end smallexample
9123
9124 @noindent
9125 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
9126 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
9127 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
9128 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
9129
9130 @smallexample
9131 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
9132 @end smallexample
9133
9134 The @code{::} notation is normally used for referring to
9135 static variables, since you typically disambiguate uses of local variables
9136 in functions by selecting the appropriate frame and using the
9137 simple name of the variable. However, you may also use this notation
9138 to refer to local variables in frames enclosing the selected frame:
9139
9140 @smallexample
9141 void
9142 foo (int a)
9143 @{
9144 if (a < 10)
9145 bar (a);
9146 else
9147 process (a); /* Stop here */
9148 @}
9149
9150 int
9151 bar (int a)
9152 @{
9153 foo (a + 5);
9154 @}
9155 @end smallexample
9156
9157 @noindent
9158 For example, if there is a breakpoint at the commented line,
9159 here is what you might see
9160 when the program stops after executing the call @code{bar(0)}:
9161
9162 @smallexample
9163 (@value{GDBP}) p a
9164 $1 = 10
9165 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
9166 $2 = 5
9167 (@value{GDBP}) up 2
9168 #2 0x080483d0 in foo (a=5) at foobar.c:12
9169 (@value{GDBP}) p a
9170 $3 = 5
9171 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
9172 $4 = 0
9173 @end smallexample
9174
9175 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
9176 These uses of @samp{::} are very rarely in conflict with the very
9177 similar use of the same notation in C@t{++}. When they are in
9178 conflict, the C@t{++} meaning takes precedence; however, this can be
9179 overridden by quoting the file or function name with single quotes.
9180
9181 For example, suppose the program is stopped in a method of a class
9182 that has a field named @code{includefile}, and there is also an
9183 include file named @file{includefile} that defines a variable,
9184 @code{some_global}.
9185
9186 @smallexample
9187 (@value{GDBP}) p includefile
9188 $1 = 23
9189 (@value{GDBP}) p includefile::some_global
9190 A syntax error in expression, near `'.
9191 (@value{GDBP}) p 'includefile'::some_global
9192 $2 = 27
9193 @end smallexample
9194
9195 @cindex wrong values
9196 @cindex variable values, wrong
9197 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
9198 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
9199 @quotation
9200 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
9201 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
9202 scope, and just before exit.
9203 @end quotation
9204 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
9205 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
9206 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
9207 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
9208 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
9209 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
9210 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
9211 variable definitions may be gone.
9212
9213 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
9214 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
9215 when compiling.
9216
9217 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
9218 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
9219 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
9220 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
9221 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
9222 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
9223 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
9224
9225 @smallexample
9226 No symbol "foo" in current context.
9227 @end smallexample
9228
9229 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
9230 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
9231 formats. @xref{Compilation}, for more information on choosing compiler
9232 options. @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug
9233 info formats that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
9234
9235 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
9236 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
9237 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
9238 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
9239
9240 @cindex no debug info variables
9241 If you try to examine or use the value of a (global) variable for
9242 which @value{GDBN} has no type information, e.g., because the program
9243 includes no debug information, @value{GDBN} displays an error message.
9244 @xref{Symbols, unknown type}, for more about unknown types. If you
9245 cast the variable to its declared type, @value{GDBN} gets the
9246 variable's value using the cast-to type as the variable's type. For
9247 example, in a C program:
9248
9249 @smallexample
9250 (@value{GDBP}) p var
9251 'var' has unknown type; cast it to its declared type
9252 (@value{GDBP}) p (float) var
9253 $1 = 3.14
9254 @end smallexample
9255
9256 If you append @kbd{@@entry} string to a function parameter name you get its
9257 value at the time the function got called. If the value is not available an
9258 error message is printed. Entry values are available only with some compilers.
9259 Entry values are normally also printed at the function parameter list according
9260 to @ref{set print entry-values}.
9261
9262 @smallexample
9263 Breakpoint 1, d (i=30) at gdb.base/entry-value.c:29
9264 29 i++;
9265 (gdb) next
9266 30 e (i);
9267 (gdb) print i
9268 $1 = 31
9269 (gdb) print i@@entry
9270 $2 = 30
9271 @end smallexample
9272
9273 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
9274 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
9275 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
9276 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
9277 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
9278 For program code
9279
9280 @smallexample
9281 char var0[] = "A";
9282 signed char var1[] = "A";
9283 @end smallexample
9284
9285 You get during debugging
9286 @smallexample
9287 (gdb) print var0
9288 $1 = "A"
9289 (gdb) print var1
9290 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
9291 @end smallexample
9292
9293 @node Arrays
9294 @section Artificial Arrays
9295
9296 @cindex artificial array
9297 @cindex arrays
9298 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
9299 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
9300 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
9301 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
9302 program.
9303
9304 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
9305 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
9306 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
9307 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
9308 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
9309 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
9310 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
9311 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
9312 example. If a program says
9313
9314 @smallexample
9315 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
9316 @end smallexample
9317
9318 @noindent
9319 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
9320
9321 @smallexample
9322 p *array@@len
9323 @end smallexample
9324
9325 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
9326 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
9327 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
9328 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
9329 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
9330
9331 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
9332 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
9333 The value need not be in memory:
9334 @smallexample
9335 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
9336 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
9337 @end smallexample
9338
9339 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
9340 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
9341 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
9342 @smallexample
9343 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
9344 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
9345 @end smallexample
9346
9347 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
9348 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
9349 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
9350 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
9351 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
9352 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
9353 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
9354 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
9355 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
9356 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
9357
9358 @smallexample
9359 set $i = 0
9360 p dtab[$i++]->fv
9361 @key{RET}
9362 @key{RET}
9363 @dots{}
9364 @end smallexample
9365
9366 @node Output Formats
9367 @section Output Formats
9368
9369 @cindex formatted output
9370 @cindex output formats
9371 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
9372 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
9373 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
9374 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
9375 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
9376
9377 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
9378 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
9379 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
9380 letters supported are:
9381
9382 @table @code
9383 @item x
9384 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
9385 hexadecimal.
9386
9387 @item d
9388 Print as integer in signed decimal.
9389
9390 @item u
9391 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
9392
9393 @item o
9394 Print as integer in octal.
9395
9396 @item t
9397 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
9398 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
9399 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
9400 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
9401
9402 @item a
9403 @cindex unknown address, locating
9404 @cindex locate address
9405 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
9406 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
9407 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
9408
9409 @smallexample
9410 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
9411 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
9412 @end smallexample
9413
9414 @noindent
9415 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
9416 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
9417
9418 @item c
9419 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
9420 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
9421 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
9422 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
9423
9424 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
9425 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
9426 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
9427 data.
9428
9429 @item f
9430 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
9431 using typical floating point syntax.
9432
9433 @item s
9434 @cindex printing strings
9435 @cindex printing byte arrays
9436 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
9437 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
9438 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
9439 natural types.
9440
9441 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
9442 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
9443 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
9444 array.
9445
9446 @item z
9447 Like @samp{x} formatting, the value is treated as an integer and
9448 printed as hexadecimal, but leading zeros are printed to pad the value
9449 to the size of the integer type.
9450
9451 @item r
9452 @cindex raw printing
9453 Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
9454 use a Python-based pretty-printer, if one is available (@pxref{Pretty
9455 Printing}). This typically results in a higher-level display of the
9456 value's contents. The @samp{r} format bypasses any Python
9457 pretty-printer which might exist.
9458 @end table
9459
9460 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
9461
9462 @smallexample
9463 p/x $pc
9464 @end smallexample
9465
9466 @noindent
9467 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
9468 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
9469
9470 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
9471 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
9472 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
9473
9474 @node Memory
9475 @section Examining Memory
9476
9477 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
9478 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
9479
9480 @cindex examining memory
9481 @table @code
9482 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
9483 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
9484 @itemx x @var{addr}
9485 @itemx x
9486 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
9487 @end table
9488
9489 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
9490 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
9491 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
9492 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
9493 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
9494
9495 @table @r
9496 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
9497 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
9498 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display. If a negative
9499 number is specified, memory is examined backward from @var{addr}.
9500 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
9501 @c 4.1.2.
9502
9503 @item @var{f}, the display format
9504 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
9505 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
9506 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
9507 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
9508 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
9509
9510 @item @var{u}, the unit size
9511 The unit size is any of
9512
9513 @table @code
9514 @item b
9515 Bytes.
9516 @item h
9517 Halfwords (two bytes).
9518 @item w
9519 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
9520 @item g
9521 Giant words (eight bytes).
9522 @end table
9523
9524 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
9525 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. For the @samp{i} format,
9526 the unit size is ignored and is normally not written. For the @samp{s} format,
9527 the unit size defaults to @samp{b}, unless it is explicitly given.
9528 Use @kbd{x /hs} to display 16-bit char strings and @kbd{x /ws} to display
9529 32-bit strings. The next use of @kbd{x /s} will again display 8-bit strings.
9530 Note that the results depend on the programming language of the
9531 current compilation unit. If the language is C, the @samp{s}
9532 modifier will use the UTF-16 encoding while @samp{w} will use
9533 UTF-32. The encoding is set by the programming language and cannot
9534 be altered.
9535
9536 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
9537 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
9538 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
9539 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
9540 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
9541 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
9542 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
9543 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
9544 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
9545 a value from memory).
9546 @end table
9547
9548 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
9549 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
9550 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
9551 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
9552 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
9553
9554 You can also specify a negative repeat count to examine memory backward
9555 from the given address. For example, @samp{x/-3uh 0x54320} prints three
9556 halfwords (@code{h}) at @code{0x54314}, @code{0x54328}, and @code{0x5431c}.
9557
9558 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
9559 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
9560 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
9561 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
9562 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
9563
9564 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
9565 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
9566 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
9567 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
9568 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
9569 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
9570 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
9571 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
9572 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
9573
9574 If a negative repeat count is specified for the formats @samp{s} or @samp{i},
9575 the command displays null-terminated strings or instructions before the given
9576 address as many as the absolute value of the given number. For the @samp{i}
9577 format, we use line number information in the debug info to accurately locate
9578 instruction boundaries while disassembling backward. If line info is not
9579 available, the command stops examining memory with an error message.
9580
9581 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
9582 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
9583 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
9584 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
9585 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
9586 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
9587 for successive uses of @code{x}.
9588
9589 When examining machine instructions, the instruction at current program
9590 counter is shown with a @code{=>} marker. For example:
9591
9592 @smallexample
9593 (@value{GDBP}) x/5i $pc-6
9594 0x804837f <main+11>: mov %esp,%ebp
9595 0x8048381 <main+13>: push %ecx
9596 0x8048382 <main+14>: sub $0x4,%esp
9597 => 0x8048385 <main+17>: movl $0x8048460,(%esp)
9598 0x804838c <main+24>: call 0x80482d4 <puts@@plt>
9599 @end smallexample
9600
9601 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
9602 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
9603 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
9604 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
9605 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
9606 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
9607 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
9608 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
9609 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
9610
9611 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
9612 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
9613 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
9614
9615 @anchor{addressable memory unit}
9616 @cindex addressable memory unit
9617 Most targets have an addressable memory unit size of 8 bits. This means
9618 that to each memory address are associated 8 bits of data. Some
9619 targets, however, have other addressable memory unit sizes.
9620 Within @value{GDBN} and this document, the term
9621 @dfn{addressable memory unit} (or @dfn{memory unit} for short) is used
9622 when explicitly referring to a chunk of data of that size. The word
9623 @dfn{byte} is used to refer to a chunk of data of 8 bits, regardless of
9624 the addressable memory unit size of the target. For most systems,
9625 addressable memory unit is a synonym of byte.
9626
9627 @cindex remote memory comparison
9628 @cindex target memory comparison
9629 @cindex verify remote memory image
9630 @cindex verify target memory image
9631 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
9632 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image
9633 in the remote machine's memory against the executable file you
9634 downloaded to the target. Or, on any target, you may want to check
9635 whether the program has corrupted its own read-only sections. The
9636 @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such situations.
9637
9638 @table @code
9639 @kindex compare-sections
9640 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{|}@code{-r}@r{]}
9641 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
9642 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
9643 the target machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
9644 arguments, compares all loadable sections. With an argument of
9645 @code{-r}, compares all loadable read-only sections.
9646
9647 Note: for remote targets, this command can be accelerated if the
9648 target supports computing the CRC checksum of a block of memory
9649 (@pxref{qCRC packet}).
9650 @end table
9651
9652 @node Auto Display
9653 @section Automatic Display
9654 @cindex automatic display
9655 @cindex display of expressions
9656
9657 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
9658 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
9659 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
9660 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
9661 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
9662 The automatic display looks like this:
9663
9664 @smallexample
9665 2: foo = 38
9666 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
9667 @end smallexample
9668
9669 @noindent
9670 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
9671 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
9672 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
9673 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
9674 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
9675 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
9676
9677 @table @code
9678 @kindex display
9679 @item display @var{expr}
9680 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
9681 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
9682
9683 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
9684
9685 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
9686 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
9687 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
9688 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
9689 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
9690
9691 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
9692 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
9693 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
9694 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
9695 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
9696 @end table
9697
9698 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
9699 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
9700 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
9701
9702 @table @code
9703 @kindex delete display
9704 @kindex undisplay
9705 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
9706 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
9707 Remove items from the list of expressions to display. Specify the
9708 numbers of the displays that you want affected with the command
9709 argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one of the
9710 numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display} display;
9711 or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
9712
9713 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
9714 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
9715
9716 @kindex disable display
9717 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
9718 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
9719 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
9720 enabled again later. Specify the numbers of the displays that you
9721 want affected with the command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a
9722 single display number, one of the numbers shown in the first field of
9723 the @samp{info display} display; or it could be a range of display
9724 numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
9725
9726 @kindex enable display
9727 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
9728 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
9729 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
9730 Specify the numbers of the displays that you want affected with the
9731 command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one
9732 of the numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display}
9733 display; or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
9734
9735 @item display
9736 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
9737 done when your program stops.
9738
9739 @kindex info display
9740 @item info display
9741 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
9742 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
9743 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
9744 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
9745 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
9746 @end table
9747
9748 @cindex display disabled out of scope
9749 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
9750 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
9751 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
9752 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
9753 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
9754 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
9755 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
9756 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
9757 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
9758 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
9759
9760 @node Print Settings
9761 @section Print Settings
9762
9763 @cindex format options
9764 @cindex print settings
9765 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
9766 and symbols are printed.
9767
9768 @noindent
9769 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
9770
9771 @table @code
9772 @kindex set print
9773 @item set print address
9774 @itemx set print address on
9775 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
9776 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
9777 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
9778 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
9779 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
9780 @code{set print address on}:
9781
9782 @smallexample
9783 @group
9784 (@value{GDBP}) f
9785 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
9786 at input.c:530
9787 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
9788 @end group
9789 @end smallexample
9790
9791 @item set print address off
9792 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
9793 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
9794
9795 @smallexample
9796 @group
9797 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
9798 (@value{GDBP}) f
9799 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
9800 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
9801 @end group
9802 @end smallexample
9803
9804 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
9805 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
9806 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
9807 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
9808
9809 @kindex show print
9810 @item show print address
9811 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
9812 @end table
9813
9814 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
9815 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
9816 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
9817 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
9818 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
9819 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
9820 it prints a symbolic address:
9821
9822 @table @code
9823 @item set print symbol-filename on
9824 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
9825 @cindex symbol, source file and line
9826 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
9827 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
9828
9829 @item set print symbol-filename off
9830 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
9831 default.
9832
9833 @item show print symbol-filename
9834 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
9835 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
9836 @end table
9837
9838 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
9839 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
9840 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
9841
9842 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
9843 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
9844
9845 @table @code
9846 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
9847 @itemx set print max-symbolic-offset unlimited
9848 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
9849 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
9850 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
9851 @var{max-offset}. The default is @code{unlimited}, which tells @value{GDBN}
9852 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes
9853 it. Zero is equivalent to @code{unlimited}.
9854
9855 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
9856 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
9857 symbolic address.
9858 @end table
9859
9860 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
9861 @cindex pointer, finding referent
9862 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
9863 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
9864 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
9865 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
9866 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
9867 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
9868
9869 @smallexample
9870 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
9871 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
9872 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
9873 @end smallexample
9874
9875 @quotation
9876 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
9877 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
9878 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
9879 @end quotation
9880
9881 You can also enable @samp{/a}-like formatting all the time using
9882 @samp{set print symbol on}:
9883
9884 @table @code
9885 @item set print symbol on
9886 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the symbol corresponding to an address, if
9887 one exists.
9888
9889 @item set print symbol off
9890 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print the symbol corresponding to an
9891 address. In this mode, @value{GDBN} will still print the symbol
9892 corresponding to pointers to functions. This is the default.
9893
9894 @item show print symbol
9895 Show whether @value{GDBN} will display the symbol corresponding to an
9896 address.
9897 @end table
9898
9899 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
9900
9901 @table @code
9902 @item set print array
9903 @itemx set print array on
9904 @cindex pretty print arrays
9905 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
9906 but uses more space. The default is off.
9907
9908 @item set print array off
9909 Return to compressed format for arrays.
9910
9911 @item show print array
9912 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
9913 arrays.
9914
9915 @cindex print array indexes
9916 @item set print array-indexes
9917 @itemx set print array-indexes on
9918 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
9919 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
9920 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
9921
9922 @item set print array-indexes off
9923 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
9924
9925 @item show print array-indexes
9926 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
9927 arrays.
9928
9929 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
9930 @itemx set print elements unlimited
9931 @cindex number of array elements to print
9932 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
9933 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
9934 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
9935 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
9936 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
9937 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
9938 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to @code{unlimited} or zero means
9939 that the number of elements to print is unlimited.
9940
9941 @item show print elements
9942 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
9943 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
9944
9945 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
9946 @kindex set print frame-arguments
9947 @cindex printing frame argument values
9948 @cindex print all frame argument values
9949 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
9950 @cindex do not print frame argument values
9951 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
9952 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
9953 values are:
9954
9955 @table @code
9956 @item all
9957 The values of all arguments are printed.
9958
9959 @item scalars
9960 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
9961 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
9962 by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
9963 only scalar arguments are shown:
9964
9965 @smallexample
9966 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
9967 at frame-args.c:23
9968 @end smallexample
9969
9970 @item none
9971 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
9972 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
9973
9974 @smallexample
9975 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
9976 at frame-args.c:23
9977 @end smallexample
9978 @end table
9979
9980 By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
9981 to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
9982 of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
9983 of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
9984 information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
9985 Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
9986 the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
9987 especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
9988 to @code{scalars} (the default) or @code{none} avoids this computation,
9989 thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
9990
9991 @item show print frame-arguments
9992 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
9993
9994 @item set print raw frame-arguments on
9995 Print frame arguments in raw, non pretty-printed, form.
9996
9997 @item set print raw frame-arguments off
9998 Print frame arguments in pretty-printed form, if there is a pretty-printer
9999 for the value (@pxref{Pretty Printing}),
10000 otherwise print the value in raw form.
10001 This is the default.
10002
10003 @item show print raw frame-arguments
10004 Show whether to print frame arguments in raw form.
10005
10006 @anchor{set print entry-values}
10007 @item set print entry-values @var{value}
10008 @kindex set print entry-values
10009 Set printing of frame argument values at function entry. In some cases
10010 @value{GDBN} can determine the value of function argument which was passed by
10011 the function caller, even if the value was modified inside the called function
10012 and therefore is different. With optimized code, the current value could be
10013 unavailable, but the entry value may still be known.
10014
10015 The default value is @code{default} (see below for its description). Older
10016 @value{GDBN} behaved as with the setting @code{no}. Compilers not supporting
10017 this feature will behave in the @code{default} setting the same way as with the
10018 @code{no} setting.
10019
10020 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
10021 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_call_site} tags. With
10022 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
10023 this information.
10024
10025 The @var{value} parameter can be one of the following:
10026
10027 @table @code
10028 @item no
10029 Print only actual parameter values, never print values from function entry
10030 point.
10031 @smallexample
10032 #0 equal (val=5)
10033 #0 different (val=6)
10034 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>)
10035 #0 born (val=10)
10036 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
10037 @end smallexample
10038
10039 @item only
10040 Print only parameter values from function entry point. The actual parameter
10041 values are never printed.
10042 @smallexample
10043 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
10044 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
10045 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
10046 #0 born (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
10047 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
10048 @end smallexample
10049
10050 @item preferred
10051 Print only parameter values from function entry point. If value from function
10052 entry point is not known while the actual value is known, print the actual
10053 value for such parameter.
10054 @smallexample
10055 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
10056 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
10057 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
10058 #0 born (val=10)
10059 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
10060 @end smallexample
10061
10062 @item if-needed
10063 Print actual parameter values. If actual parameter value is not known while
10064 value from function entry point is known, print the entry point value for such
10065 parameter.
10066 @smallexample
10067 #0 equal (val=5)
10068 #0 different (val=6)
10069 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
10070 #0 born (val=10)
10071 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
10072 @end smallexample
10073
10074 @item both
10075 Always print both the actual parameter value and its value from function entry
10076 point, even if values of one or both are not available due to compiler
10077 optimizations.
10078 @smallexample
10079 #0 equal (val=5, val@@entry=5)
10080 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
10081 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
10082 #0 born (val=10, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
10083 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
10084 @end smallexample
10085
10086 @item compact
10087 Print the actual parameter value if it is known and also its value from
10088 function entry point if it is known. If neither is known, print for the actual
10089 value @code{<optimized out>}. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and if both
10090 values are known and identical, print the shortened
10091 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
10092 @smallexample
10093 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
10094 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
10095 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
10096 #0 born (val=10)
10097 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
10098 @end smallexample
10099
10100 @item default
10101 Always print the actual parameter value. Print also its value from function
10102 entry point, but only if it is known. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and
10103 if both values are known and identical, print the shortened
10104 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
10105 @smallexample
10106 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
10107 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
10108 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
10109 #0 born (val=10)
10110 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
10111 @end smallexample
10112 @end table
10113
10114 For analysis messages on possible failures of frame argument values at function
10115 entry resolution see @ref{set debug entry-values}.
10116
10117 @item show print entry-values
10118 Show the method being used for printing of frame argument values at function
10119 entry.
10120
10121 @item set print repeats @var{number-of-repeats}
10122 @itemx set print repeats unlimited
10123 @cindex repeated array elements
10124 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
10125 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
10126 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
10127 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
10128 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
10129 themselves. Setting the threshold to @code{unlimited} or zero will
10130 cause all elements to be individually printed. The default threshold
10131 is 10.
10132
10133 @item show print repeats
10134 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
10135 elements.
10136
10137 @item set print null-stop
10138 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
10139 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
10140 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
10141 contain only short strings.
10142 The default is off.
10143
10144 @item show print null-stop
10145 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
10146 @sc{null} character.
10147
10148 @item set print pretty on
10149 @cindex print structures in indented form
10150 @cindex indentation in structure display
10151 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
10152 per line, like this:
10153
10154 @smallexample
10155 @group
10156 $1 = @{
10157 next = 0x0,
10158 flags = @{
10159 sweet = 1,
10160 sour = 1
10161 @},
10162 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
10163 @}
10164 @end group
10165 @end smallexample
10166
10167 @item set print pretty off
10168 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
10169
10170 @smallexample
10171 @group
10172 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
10173 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
10174 @end group
10175 @end smallexample
10176
10177 @noindent
10178 This is the default format.
10179
10180 @item show print pretty
10181 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
10182
10183 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
10184 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
10185 @cindex octal escapes in strings
10186 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
10187 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
10188 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
10189 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
10190 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
10191
10192 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
10193 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
10194 international character sets, and is the default.
10195
10196 @item show print sevenbit-strings
10197 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
10198
10199 @item set print union on
10200 @cindex unions in structures, printing
10201 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
10202 and other unions. This is the default setting.
10203
10204 @item set print union off
10205 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
10206 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
10207 instead.
10208
10209 @item show print union
10210 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
10211 structures and other unions.
10212
10213 For example, given the declarations
10214
10215 @smallexample
10216 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
10217 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
10218 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
10219 Bug_forms;
10220
10221 struct thing @{
10222 Species it;
10223 union @{
10224 Tree_forms tree;
10225 Bug_forms bug;
10226 @} form;
10227 @};
10228
10229 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
10230 @end smallexample
10231
10232 @noindent
10233 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
10234
10235 @smallexample
10236 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
10237 @end smallexample
10238
10239 @noindent
10240 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
10241
10242 @smallexample
10243 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
10244 @end smallexample
10245
10246 @noindent
10247 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
10248 and in Pascal.
10249 @end table
10250
10251 @need 1000
10252 @noindent
10253 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
10254
10255 @table @code
10256 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
10257 @item set print demangle
10258 @itemx set print demangle on
10259 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
10260 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
10261 linkage. The default is on.
10262
10263 @item show print demangle
10264 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
10265
10266 @item set print asm-demangle
10267 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
10268 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
10269 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
10270 The default is off.
10271
10272 @item show print asm-demangle
10273 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
10274 or demangled form.
10275
10276 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
10277 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
10278 @kindex set demangle-style
10279 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
10280 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
10281 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
10282
10283 @table @code
10284 @item auto
10285 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
10286 This is the default.
10287
10288 @item gnu
10289 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
10290
10291 @item hp
10292 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
10293
10294 @item lucid
10295 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
10296
10297 @item arm
10298 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
10299 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
10300 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
10301 require further enhancement to permit that.
10302
10303 @end table
10304 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
10305
10306 @item show demangle-style
10307 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
10308
10309 @item set print object
10310 @itemx set print object on
10311 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
10312 @cindex display derived types
10313 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
10314 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
10315 the virtual function table. Note that the virtual function table is
10316 required---this feature can only work for objects that have run-time
10317 type identification; a single virtual method in the object's declared
10318 type is sufficient. Note that this setting is also taken into account when
10319 working with variable objects via MI (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
10320
10321 @item set print object off
10322 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
10323 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
10324
10325 @item show print object
10326 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
10327
10328 @item set print static-members
10329 @itemx set print static-members on
10330 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
10331 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
10332
10333 @item set print static-members off
10334 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
10335
10336 @item show print static-members
10337 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
10338
10339 @item set print pascal_static-members
10340 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
10341 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
10342 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
10343 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
10344
10345 @item set print pascal_static-members off
10346 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
10347
10348 @item show print pascal_static-members
10349 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
10350
10351 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
10352 @item set print vtbl
10353 @itemx set print vtbl on
10354 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
10355 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
10356 @cindex VTBL display
10357 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
10358 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
10359 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
10360
10361 @item set print vtbl off
10362 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
10363
10364 @item show print vtbl
10365 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
10366 @end table
10367
10368 @node Pretty Printing
10369 @section Pretty Printing
10370
10371 @value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values using
10372 Python code. It greatly simplifies the display of complex objects. This
10373 mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
10374
10375 @menu
10376 * Pretty-Printer Introduction:: Introduction to pretty-printers
10377 * Pretty-Printer Example:: An example pretty-printer
10378 * Pretty-Printer Commands:: Pretty-printer commands
10379 @end menu
10380
10381 @node Pretty-Printer Introduction
10382 @subsection Pretty-Printer Introduction
10383
10384 When @value{GDBN} prints a value, it first sees if there is a pretty-printer
10385 registered for the value. If there is then @value{GDBN} invokes the
10386 pretty-printer to print the value. Otherwise the value is printed normally.
10387
10388 Pretty-printers are normally named. This makes them easy to manage.
10389 The @samp{info pretty-printer} command will list all the installed
10390 pretty-printers with their names.
10391 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
10392 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
10393 Each such subprinter has its own name.
10394 The format of the name is @var{printer-name};@var{subprinter-name}.
10395
10396 Pretty-printers are installed by @dfn{registering} them with @value{GDBN}.
10397 Typically they are automatically loaded and registered when the corresponding
10398 debug information is loaded, thus making them available without having to
10399 do anything special.
10400
10401 There are three places where a pretty-printer can be registered.
10402
10403 @itemize @bullet
10404 @item
10405 Pretty-printers registered globally are available when debugging
10406 all inferiors.
10407
10408 @item
10409 Pretty-printers registered with a program space are available only
10410 when debugging that program.
10411 @xref{Progspaces In Python}, for more details on program spaces in Python.
10412
10413 @item
10414 Pretty-printers registered with an objfile are loaded and unloaded
10415 with the corresponding objfile (e.g., shared library).
10416 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for more details on objfiles in Python.
10417 @end itemize
10418
10419 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for further information on how
10420 pretty-printers are selected,
10421
10422 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for implementing pretty printers
10423 for new types.
10424
10425 @node Pretty-Printer Example
10426 @subsection Pretty-Printer Example
10427
10428 Here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a pretty-printer:
10429
10430 @smallexample
10431 (@value{GDBP}) print s
10432 $1 = @{
10433 static npos = 4294967295,
10434 _M_dataplus = @{
10435 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
10436 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{
10437 <No data fields>@}, <No data fields>
10438 @},
10439 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>,
10440 std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
10441 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
10442 @}
10443 @}
10444 @end smallexample
10445
10446 With a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} only the contents are printed:
10447
10448 @smallexample
10449 (@value{GDBP}) print s
10450 $2 = "abcd"
10451 @end smallexample
10452
10453 @node Pretty-Printer Commands
10454 @subsection Pretty-Printer Commands
10455 @cindex pretty-printer commands
10456
10457 @table @code
10458 @kindex info pretty-printer
10459 @item info pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
10460 Print the list of installed pretty-printers.
10461 This includes disabled pretty-printers, which are marked as such.
10462
10463 @var{object-regexp} is a regular expression matching the objects
10464 whose pretty-printers to list.
10465 Objects can be @code{global}, the program space's file
10466 (@pxref{Progspaces In Python}),
10467 and the object files within that program space (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}).
10468 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for details on how @value{GDBN}
10469 looks up a printer from these three objects.
10470
10471 @var{name-regexp} is a regular expression matching the name of the printers
10472 to list.
10473
10474 @kindex disable pretty-printer
10475 @item disable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
10476 Disable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
10477 A disabled pretty-printer is not forgotten, it may be enabled again later.
10478
10479 @kindex enable pretty-printer
10480 @item enable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
10481 Enable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
10482 @end table
10483
10484 Example:
10485
10486 Suppose we have three pretty-printers installed: one from library1.so
10487 named @code{foo} that prints objects of type @code{foo}, and
10488 another from library2.so named @code{bar} that prints two types of objects,
10489 @code{bar1} and @code{bar2}.
10490
10491 @smallexample
10492 (gdb) info pretty-printer
10493 library1.so:
10494 foo
10495 library2.so:
10496 bar
10497 bar1
10498 bar2
10499 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
10500 library2.so:
10501 bar
10502 bar1
10503 bar2
10504 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library1
10505 1 printer disabled
10506 2 of 3 printers enabled
10507 (gdb) info pretty-printer
10508 library1.so:
10509 foo [disabled]
10510 library2.so:
10511 bar
10512 bar1
10513 bar2
10514 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar:bar1
10515 1 printer disabled
10516 1 of 3 printers enabled
10517 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
10518 library1.so:
10519 foo [disabled]
10520 library2.so:
10521 bar
10522 bar1 [disabled]
10523 bar2
10524 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar
10525 1 printer disabled
10526 0 of 3 printers enabled
10527 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
10528 library1.so:
10529 foo [disabled]
10530 library2.so:
10531 bar [disabled]
10532 bar1 [disabled]
10533 bar2
10534 @end smallexample
10535
10536 Note that for @code{bar} the entire printer can be disabled,
10537 as can each individual subprinter.
10538
10539 @node Value History
10540 @section Value History
10541
10542 @cindex value history
10543 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
10544 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
10545 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
10546 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
10547 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
10548 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
10549 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
10550 symbol table.
10551
10552 @cindex @code{$}
10553 @cindex @code{$$}
10554 @cindex history number
10555 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
10556 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
10557 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
10558 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
10559 history number.
10560
10561 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
10562 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
10563 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
10564 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
10565 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
10566 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
10567 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
10568
10569 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
10570 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
10571
10572 @smallexample
10573 p *$
10574 @end smallexample
10575
10576 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
10577 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
10578
10579 @smallexample
10580 p *$.next
10581 @end smallexample
10582
10583 @noindent
10584 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
10585 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
10586
10587 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
10588 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
10589
10590 @smallexample
10591 print x
10592 set x=5
10593 @end smallexample
10594
10595 @noindent
10596 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
10597 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
10598
10599 @table @code
10600 @kindex show values
10601 @item show values
10602 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
10603 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
10604 values} does not change the history.
10605
10606 @item show values @var{n}
10607 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
10608
10609 @item show values +
10610 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
10611 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
10612 @end table
10613
10614 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
10615 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
10616
10617 @node Convenience Vars
10618 @section Convenience Variables
10619
10620 @cindex convenience variables
10621 @cindex user-defined variables
10622 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
10623 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
10624 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
10625 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
10626 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
10627
10628 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
10629 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
10630 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
10631 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
10632 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
10633
10634 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
10635 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
10636 For example:
10637
10638 @smallexample
10639 set $foo = *object_ptr
10640 @end smallexample
10641
10642 @noindent
10643 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
10644 @code{object_ptr}.
10645
10646 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
10647 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
10648 value with another assignment at any time.
10649
10650 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
10651 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
10652 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
10653 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
10654
10655 @table @code
10656 @kindex show convenience
10657 @cindex show all user variables and functions
10658 @item show convenience
10659 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values,
10660 as well as a list of the convenience functions.
10661 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
10662
10663 @kindex init-if-undefined
10664 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
10665 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
10666 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
10667 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
10668 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
10669 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
10670 override default values used in a command script.
10671
10672 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
10673 any side-effects do not occur.
10674 @end table
10675
10676 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
10677 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
10678 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
10679
10680 @smallexample
10681 set $i = 0
10682 print bar[$i++]->contents
10683 @end smallexample
10684
10685 @noindent
10686 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
10687
10688 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
10689 values likely to be useful.
10690
10691 @table @code
10692 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
10693 @item $_
10694 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
10695 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
10696 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
10697 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
10698 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
10699 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
10700 to the type of @code{$__}.
10701
10702 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
10703 @item $__
10704 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
10705 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
10706 to match the format in which the data was printed.
10707
10708 @item $_exitcode
10709 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
10710 When the program being debugged terminates normally, @value{GDBN}
10711 automatically sets this variable to the exit code of the program, and
10712 resets @code{$_exitsignal} to @code{void}.
10713
10714 @item $_exitsignal
10715 @vindex $_exitsignal@r{, convenience variable}
10716 When the program being debugged dies due to an uncaught signal,
10717 @value{GDBN} automatically sets this variable to that signal's number,
10718 and resets @code{$_exitcode} to @code{void}.
10719
10720 To distinguish between whether the program being debugged has exited
10721 (i.e., @code{$_exitcode} is not @code{void}) or signalled (i.e.,
10722 @code{$_exitsignal} is not @code{void}), the convenience function
10723 @code{$_isvoid} can be used (@pxref{Convenience Funs,, Convenience
10724 Functions}). For example, considering the following source code:
10725
10726 @smallexample
10727 #include <signal.h>
10728
10729 int
10730 main (int argc, char *argv[])
10731 @{
10732 raise (SIGALRM);
10733 return 0;
10734 @}
10735 @end smallexample
10736
10737 A valid way of telling whether the program being debugged has exited
10738 or signalled would be:
10739
10740 @smallexample
10741 (@value{GDBP}) define has_exited_or_signalled
10742 Type commands for definition of ``has_exited_or_signalled''.
10743 End with a line saying just ``end''.
10744 >if $_isvoid ($_exitsignal)
10745 >echo The program has exited\n
10746 >else
10747 >echo The program has signalled\n
10748 >end
10749 >end
10750 (@value{GDBP}) run
10751 Starting program:
10752
10753 Program terminated with signal SIGALRM, Alarm clock.
10754 The program no longer exists.
10755 (@value{GDBP}) has_exited_or_signalled
10756 The program has signalled
10757 @end smallexample
10758
10759 As can be seen, @value{GDBN} correctly informs that the program being
10760 debugged has signalled, since it calls @code{raise} and raises a
10761 @code{SIGALRM} signal. If the program being debugged had not called
10762 @code{raise}, then @value{GDBN} would report a normal exit:
10763
10764 @smallexample
10765 (@value{GDBP}) has_exited_or_signalled
10766 The program has exited
10767 @end smallexample
10768
10769 @item $_exception
10770 The variable @code{$_exception} is set to the exception object being
10771 thrown at an exception-related catchpoint. @xref{Set Catchpoints}.
10772
10773 @item $_probe_argc
10774 @itemx $_probe_arg0@dots{}$_probe_arg11
10775 Arguments to a static probe. @xref{Static Probe Points}.
10776
10777 @item $_sdata
10778 @vindex $_sdata@r{, inspect, convenience variable}
10779 The variable @code{$_sdata} contains extra collected static tracepoint
10780 data. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}. Note that
10781 @code{$_sdata} could be empty, if not inspecting a trace buffer, or
10782 if extra static tracepoint data has not been collected.
10783
10784 @item $_siginfo
10785 @vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
10786 The variable @code{$_siginfo} contains extra signal information
10787 (@pxref{extra signal information}). Note that @code{$_siginfo}
10788 could be empty, if the application has not yet received any signals.
10789 For example, it will be empty before you execute the @code{run} command.
10790
10791 @item $_tlb
10792 @vindex $_tlb@r{, convenience variable}
10793 The variable @code{$_tlb} is automatically set when debugging
10794 applications running on MS-Windows in native mode or connected to
10795 gdbserver that supports the @code{qGetTIBAddr} request.
10796 @xref{General Query Packets}.
10797 This variable contains the address of the thread information block.
10798
10799 @item $_inferior
10800 The number of the current inferior. @xref{Inferiors and
10801 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}.
10802
10803 @item $_thread
10804 The thread number of the current thread. @xref{thread numbers}.
10805
10806 @item $_gthread
10807 The global number of the current thread. @xref{global thread numbers}.
10808
10809 @end table
10810
10811 @node Convenience Funs
10812 @section Convenience Functions
10813
10814 @cindex convenience functions
10815 @value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
10816 have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
10817 function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
10818 however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
10819 @value{GDBN}.
10820
10821 These functions do not require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
10822 @code{Python} support, which means that they are always available.
10823
10824 @table @code
10825
10826 @item $_isvoid (@var{expr})
10827 @findex $_isvoid@r{, convenience function}
10828 Return one if the expression @var{expr} is @code{void}. Otherwise it
10829 returns zero.
10830
10831 A @code{void} expression is an expression where the type of the result
10832 is @code{void}. For example, you can examine a convenience variable
10833 (see @ref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}) to check whether
10834 it is @code{void}:
10835
10836 @smallexample
10837 (@value{GDBP}) print $_exitcode
10838 $1 = void
10839 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($_exitcode)
10840 $2 = 1
10841 (@value{GDBP}) run
10842 Starting program: ./a.out
10843 [Inferior 1 (process 29572) exited normally]
10844 (@value{GDBP}) print $_exitcode
10845 $3 = 0
10846 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($_exitcode)
10847 $4 = 0
10848 @end smallexample
10849
10850 In the example above, we used @code{$_isvoid} to check whether
10851 @code{$_exitcode} is @code{void} before and after the execution of the
10852 program being debugged. Before the execution there is no exit code to
10853 be examined, therefore @code{$_exitcode} is @code{void}. After the
10854 execution the program being debugged returned zero, therefore
10855 @code{$_exitcode} is zero, which means that it is not @code{void}
10856 anymore.
10857
10858 The @code{void} expression can also be a call of a function from the
10859 program being debugged. For example, given the following function:
10860
10861 @smallexample
10862 void
10863 foo (void)
10864 @{
10865 @}
10866 @end smallexample
10867
10868 The result of calling it inside @value{GDBN} is @code{void}:
10869
10870 @smallexample
10871 (@value{GDBP}) print foo ()
10872 $1 = void
10873 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid (foo ())
10874 $2 = 1
10875 (@value{GDBP}) set $v = foo ()
10876 (@value{GDBP}) print $v
10877 $3 = void
10878 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($v)
10879 $4 = 1
10880 @end smallexample
10881
10882 @end table
10883
10884 These functions require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
10885 @code{Python} support.
10886
10887 @table @code
10888
10889 @item $_memeq(@var{buf1}, @var{buf2}, @var{length})
10890 @findex $_memeq@r{, convenience function}
10891 Returns one if the @var{length} bytes at the addresses given by
10892 @var{buf1} and @var{buf2} are equal.
10893 Otherwise it returns zero.
10894
10895 @item $_regex(@var{str}, @var{regex})
10896 @findex $_regex@r{, convenience function}
10897 Returns one if the string @var{str} matches the regular expression
10898 @var{regex}. Otherwise it returns zero.
10899 The syntax of the regular expression is that specified by @code{Python}'s
10900 regular expression support.
10901
10902 @item $_streq(@var{str1}, @var{str2})
10903 @findex $_streq@r{, convenience function}
10904 Returns one if the strings @var{str1} and @var{str2} are equal.
10905 Otherwise it returns zero.
10906
10907 @item $_strlen(@var{str})
10908 @findex $_strlen@r{, convenience function}
10909 Returns the length of string @var{str}.
10910
10911 @item $_caller_is(@var{name}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
10912 @findex $_caller_is@r{, convenience function}
10913 Returns one if the calling function's name is equal to @var{name}.
10914 Otherwise it returns zero.
10915
10916 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
10917 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
10918 The default is 1.
10919
10920 Example:
10921
10922 @smallexample
10923 (gdb) backtrace
10924 #0 bottom_func ()
10925 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:21
10926 #1 0x00000000004005a0 in middle_func ()
10927 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:27
10928 #2 0x00000000004005ab in top_func ()
10929 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:33
10930 #3 0x00000000004005b6 in main ()
10931 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:39
10932 (gdb) print $_caller_is ("middle_func")
10933 $1 = 1
10934 (gdb) print $_caller_is ("top_func", 2)
10935 $1 = 1
10936 @end smallexample
10937
10938 @item $_caller_matches(@var{regexp}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
10939 @findex $_caller_matches@r{, convenience function}
10940 Returns one if the calling function's name matches the regular expression
10941 @var{regexp}. Otherwise it returns zero.
10942
10943 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
10944 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
10945 The default is 1.
10946
10947 @item $_any_caller_is(@var{name}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
10948 @findex $_any_caller_is@r{, convenience function}
10949 Returns one if any calling function's name is equal to @var{name}.
10950 Otherwise it returns zero.
10951
10952 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
10953 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
10954 The default is 1.
10955
10956 This function differs from @code{$_caller_is} in that this function
10957 checks all stack frames from the immediate caller to the frame specified
10958 by @var{number_of_frames}, whereas @code{$_caller_is} only checks the
10959 frame specified by @var{number_of_frames}.
10960
10961 @item $_any_caller_matches(@var{regexp}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
10962 @findex $_any_caller_matches@r{, convenience function}
10963 Returns one if any calling function's name matches the regular expression
10964 @var{regexp}. Otherwise it returns zero.
10965
10966 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
10967 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
10968 The default is 1.
10969
10970 This function differs from @code{$_caller_matches} in that this function
10971 checks all stack frames from the immediate caller to the frame specified
10972 by @var{number_of_frames}, whereas @code{$_caller_matches} only checks the
10973 frame specified by @var{number_of_frames}.
10974
10975 @item $_as_string(@var{value})
10976 @findex $_as_string@r{, convenience function}
10977 Return the string representation of @var{value}.
10978
10979 This function is useful to obtain the textual label (enumerator) of an
10980 enumeration value. For example, assuming the variable @var{node} is of
10981 an enumerated type:
10982
10983 @smallexample
10984 (gdb) printf "Visiting node of type %s\n", $_as_string(node)
10985 Visiting node of type NODE_INTEGER
10986 @end smallexample
10987
10988 @end table
10989
10990 @value{GDBN} provides the ability to list and get help on
10991 convenience functions.
10992
10993 @table @code
10994 @item help function
10995 @kindex help function
10996 @cindex show all convenience functions
10997 Print a list of all convenience functions.
10998 @end table
10999
11000 @node Registers
11001 @section Registers
11002
11003 @cindex registers
11004 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
11005 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
11006 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
11007 your machine.
11008
11009 @table @code
11010 @kindex info registers
11011 @item info registers
11012 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
11013 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
11014
11015 @kindex info all-registers
11016 @cindex floating point registers
11017 @item info all-registers
11018 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
11019 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
11020
11021 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
11022 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
11023 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
11024 the selected stack frame. The @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
11025 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
11026 @end table
11027
11028 @anchor{standard registers}
11029 @cindex stack pointer register
11030 @cindex program counter register
11031 @cindex process status register
11032 @cindex frame pointer register
11033 @cindex standard registers
11034 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
11035 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
11036 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
11037 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
11038 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
11039 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
11040 register that contains the processor status. For example,
11041 you could print the program counter in hex with
11042
11043 @smallexample
11044 p/x $pc
11045 @end smallexample
11046
11047 @noindent
11048 or print the instruction to be executed next with
11049
11050 @smallexample
11051 x/i $pc
11052 @end smallexample
11053
11054 @noindent
11055 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
11056 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
11057 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
11058 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
11059 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
11060 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
11061 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
11062
11063 @smallexample
11064 set $sp += 4
11065 @end smallexample
11066
11067 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
11068 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
11069 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
11070 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
11071 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
11072 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
11073 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
11074
11075 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
11076 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
11077 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
11078 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
11079 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
11080 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
11081 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
11082
11083 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
11084 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
11085 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
11086 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
11087 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
11088 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
11089 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
11090 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
11091 prints the data in both formats.
11092
11093 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
11094 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
11095 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
11096 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
11097 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
11098 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
11099 registers in @code{struct} notation:
11100
11101 @smallexample
11102 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
11103 $1 = @{
11104 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
11105 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
11106 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
11107 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
11108 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
11109 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
11110 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
11111 @}
11112 @end smallexample
11113
11114 @noindent
11115 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
11116 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
11117 value to a @code{struct} member:
11118
11119 @smallexample
11120 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
11121 @end smallexample
11122
11123 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
11124 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
11125 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
11126 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
11127 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
11128 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
11129
11130 @cindex caller-saved registers
11131 @cindex call-clobbered registers
11132 @cindex volatile registers
11133 @cindex <not saved> values
11134 Usually ABIs reserve some registers as not needed to be saved by the
11135 callee (a.k.a.: ``caller-saved'', ``call-clobbered'' or ``volatile''
11136 registers). It may therefore not be possible for @value{GDBN} to know
11137 the value a register had before the call (in other words, in the outer
11138 frame), if the register value has since been changed by the callee.
11139 @value{GDBN} tries to deduce where the inner frame saved
11140 (``callee-saved'') registers, from the debug info, unwind info, or the
11141 machine code generated by your compiler. If some register is not
11142 saved, and @value{GDBN} knows the register is ``caller-saved'' (via
11143 its own knowledge of the ABI, or because the debug/unwind info
11144 explicitly says the register's value is undefined), @value{GDBN}
11145 displays @w{@samp{<not saved>}} as the register's value. With targets
11146 that @value{GDBN} has no knowledge of the register saving convention,
11147 if a register was not saved by the callee, then its value and location
11148 in the outer frame are assumed to be the same of the inner frame.
11149 This is usually harmless, because if the register is call-clobbered,
11150 the caller either does not care what is in the register after the
11151 call, or has code to restore the value that it does care about. Note,
11152 however, that if you change such a register in the outer frame, you
11153 may also be affecting the inner frame. Also, the more ``outer'' the
11154 frame is you're looking at, the more likely a call-clobbered
11155 register's value is to be wrong, in the sense that it doesn't actually
11156 represent the value the register had just before the call.
11157
11158 @node Floating Point Hardware
11159 @section Floating Point Hardware
11160 @cindex floating point
11161
11162 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
11163 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
11164
11165 @table @code
11166 @kindex info float
11167 @item info float
11168 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
11169 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
11170 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
11171 the ARM and x86 machines.
11172 @end table
11173
11174 @node Vector Unit
11175 @section Vector Unit
11176 @cindex vector unit
11177
11178 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
11179 more information about the status of the vector unit.
11180
11181 @table @code
11182 @kindex info vector
11183 @item info vector
11184 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
11185 layout vary depending on the hardware.
11186 @end table
11187
11188 @node OS Information
11189 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
11190 @cindex OS information
11191
11192 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
11193 you debug your program.
11194
11195 @cindex auxiliary vector
11196 @cindex vector, auxiliary
11197 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
11198 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
11199 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
11200 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
11201 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
11202 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
11203 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
11204 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
11205 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
11206 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
11207 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
11208
11209 @table @code
11210 @kindex info auxv
11211 @item info auxv
11212 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
11213 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
11214 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
11215 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
11216 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
11217 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
11218 an unrecognized tag.
11219 @end table
11220
11221 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating system-specific
11222 information and show it to you. The types of information available
11223 will differ depending on the type of operating system running on the
11224 target. The mechanism used to fetch the data is described in
11225 @ref{Operating System Information}. For remote targets, this
11226 functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
11227 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
11228
11229 @table @code
11230 @kindex info os
11231 @item info os @var{infotype}
11232
11233 Display OS information of the requested type.
11234
11235 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, the following values of @var{infotype} are valid:
11236
11237 @anchor{linux info os infotypes}
11238 @table @code
11239 @kindex info os cpus
11240 @item cpus
11241 Display the list of all CPUs/cores. For each CPU/core, @value{GDBN} prints
11242 the available fields from /proc/cpuinfo. For each supported architecture
11243 different fields are available. Two common entries are processor which gives
11244 CPU number and bogomips; a system constant that is calculated during
11245 kernel initialization.
11246
11247 @kindex info os files
11248 @item files
11249 Display the list of open file descriptors on the target. For each
11250 file descriptor, @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process
11251 owning the descriptor, the command of the owning process, the value
11252 of the descriptor, and the target of the descriptor.
11253
11254 @kindex info os modules
11255 @item modules
11256 Display the list of all loaded kernel modules on the target. For each
11257 module, @value{GDBN} prints the module name, the size of the module in
11258 bytes, the number of times the module is used, the dependencies of the
11259 module, the status of the module, and the address of the loaded module
11260 in memory.
11261
11262 @kindex info os msg
11263 @item msg
11264 Display the list of all System V message queues on the target. For each
11265 message queue, @value{GDBN} prints the message queue key, the message
11266 queue identifier, the access permissions, the current number of bytes
11267 on the queue, the current number of messages on the queue, the processes
11268 that last sent and received a message on the queue, the user and group
11269 of the owner and creator of the message queue, the times at which a
11270 message was last sent and received on the queue, and the time at which
11271 the message queue was last changed.
11272
11273 @kindex info os processes
11274 @item processes
11275 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
11276 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, the
11277 command corresponding to the process, and the list of processor cores
11278 that the process is currently running on. (To understand what these
11279 properties mean, for this and the following info types, please consult
11280 the general @sc{gnu}/Linux documentation.)
11281
11282 @kindex info os procgroups
11283 @item procgroups
11284 Display the list of process groups on the target. For each process,
11285 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process group that it belongs
11286 to, the command corresponding to the process group leader, the process
11287 identifier, and the command line of the process. The list is sorted
11288 first by the process group identifier, then by the process identifier,
11289 so that processes belonging to the same process group are grouped together
11290 and the process group leader is listed first.
11291
11292 @kindex info os semaphores
11293 @item semaphores
11294 Display the list of all System V semaphore sets on the target. For each
11295 semaphore set, @value{GDBN} prints the semaphore set key, the semaphore
11296 set identifier, the access permissions, the number of semaphores in the
11297 set, the user and group of the owner and creator of the semaphore set,
11298 and the times at which the semaphore set was operated upon and changed.
11299
11300 @kindex info os shm
11301 @item shm
11302 Display the list of all System V shared-memory regions on the target.
11303 For each shared-memory region, @value{GDBN} prints the region key,
11304 the shared-memory identifier, the access permissions, the size of the
11305 region, the process that created the region, the process that last
11306 attached to or detached from the region, the current number of live
11307 attaches to the region, and the times at which the region was last
11308 attached to, detach from, and changed.
11309
11310 @kindex info os sockets
11311 @item sockets
11312 Display the list of Internet-domain sockets on the target. For each
11313 socket, @value{GDBN} prints the address and port of the local and
11314 remote endpoints, the current state of the connection, the creator of
11315 the socket, the IP address family of the socket, and the type of the
11316 connection.
11317
11318 @kindex info os threads
11319 @item threads
11320 Display the list of threads running on the target. For each thread,
11321 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process that the thread
11322 belongs to, the command of the process, the thread identifier, and the
11323 processor core that it is currently running on. The main thread of a
11324 process is not listed.
11325 @end table
11326
11327 @item info os
11328 If @var{infotype} is omitted, then list the possible values for
11329 @var{infotype} and the kind of OS information available for each
11330 @var{infotype}. If the target does not return a list of possible
11331 types, this command will report an error.
11332 @end table
11333
11334 @node Memory Region Attributes
11335 @section Memory Region Attributes
11336 @cindex memory region attributes
11337
11338 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
11339 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
11340 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
11341 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
11342 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
11343 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
11344 user can override the fetched regions.
11345
11346 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
11347 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
11348 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
11349 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
11350 all memory.
11351
11352 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
11353 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
11354
11355 @table @code
11356 @kindex mem
11357 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
11358 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
11359 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
11360 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
11361 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
11362 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
11363
11364 @item mem auto
11365 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
11366 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
11367
11368 @kindex delete mem
11369 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
11370 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
11371 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
11372
11373 @kindex disable mem
11374 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
11375 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
11376 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
11377 It may be enabled again later.
11378
11379 @kindex enable mem
11380 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
11381 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
11382
11383 @kindex info mem
11384 @item info mem
11385 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
11386 for each region:
11387
11388 @table @emph
11389 @item Memory Region Number
11390 @item Enabled or Disabled.
11391 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
11392 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
11393
11394 @item Lo Address
11395 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
11396
11397 @item Hi Address
11398 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
11399
11400 @item Attributes
11401 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
11402 @end table
11403 @end table
11404
11405
11406 @subsection Attributes
11407
11408 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
11409 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
11410 write accesses to a memory region.
11411
11412 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
11413 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
11414 etc.@: from accessing memory.
11415
11416 @table @code
11417 @item ro
11418 Memory is read only.
11419 @item wo
11420 Memory is write only.
11421 @item rw
11422 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
11423 @end table
11424
11425 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
11426 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
11427 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
11428 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
11429 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
11430
11431 @table @code
11432 @item 8
11433 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
11434 @item 16
11435 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
11436 @item 32
11437 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
11438 @item 64
11439 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
11440 @end table
11441
11442 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
11443 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
11444 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
11445 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
11446 @c
11447 @c @table @code
11448 @c @item hwbreak
11449 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
11450 @c @item swbreak (default)
11451 @c @end table
11452
11453 @subsubsection Data Cache
11454 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
11455 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
11456 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
11457 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
11458 registers.
11459
11460 @table @code
11461 @item cache
11462 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
11463 @item nocache
11464 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
11465 @end table
11466
11467 @subsection Memory Access Checking
11468 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
11469 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
11470 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
11471 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
11472
11473 @table @code
11474 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
11475 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
11476 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
11477 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
11478 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
11479 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
11480 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
11481 The default value is @code{on}.
11482 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
11483 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
11484 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
11485 @end table
11486
11487
11488 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
11489 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
11490 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
11491 @c
11492 @c @table @code
11493 @c @item verify
11494 @c @item noverify (default)
11495 @c @end table
11496
11497 @node Dump/Restore Files
11498 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
11499 @cindex dump/restore files
11500 @cindex append data to a file
11501 @cindex dump data to a file
11502 @cindex restore data from a file
11503
11504 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
11505 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
11506 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
11507 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
11508 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex,
11509 Tektronix Hex, or Verilog Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only
11510 append to binary files, and cannot read from Verilog Hex files.
11511
11512 @table @code
11513
11514 @kindex dump
11515 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
11516 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
11517 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
11518 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
11519
11520 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
11521 @table @code
11522 @item binary
11523 Raw binary form.
11524 @item ihex
11525 Intel hex format.
11526 @item srec
11527 Motorola S-record format.
11528 @item tekhex
11529 Tektronix Hex format.
11530 @item verilog
11531 Verilog Hex format.
11532 @end table
11533
11534 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
11535 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
11536 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
11537 form.
11538
11539 @kindex append
11540 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
11541 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
11542 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
11543 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
11544 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
11545
11546 @kindex restore
11547 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
11548 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
11549 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
11550 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
11551 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
11552
11553 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
11554 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
11555 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
11556 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
11557 from that location.
11558
11559 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
11560 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
11561 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
11562 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
11563
11564 @end table
11565
11566 @node Core File Generation
11567 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
11568 @cindex dump core from inferior
11569
11570 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
11571 image of a running process and its process status (register values
11572 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
11573 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
11574 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
11575 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
11576 the post-mortem debugging mode.
11577
11578 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
11579 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
11580 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
11581
11582 @table @code
11583 @kindex gcore
11584 @kindex generate-core-file
11585 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
11586 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
11587 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
11588 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
11589 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
11590 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
11591
11592 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
11593 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, and S390).
11594
11595 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, this command can take into account the value of the
11596 file @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} when generating the core
11597 dump (@pxref{set use-coredump-filter}).
11598
11599 @kindex set use-coredump-filter
11600 @anchor{set use-coredump-filter}
11601 @item set use-coredump-filter on
11602 @itemx set use-coredump-filter off
11603 Enable or disable the use of the file
11604 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} when generating core dump
11605 files. This file is used by the Linux kernel to decide what types of
11606 memory mappings will be dumped or ignored when generating a core dump
11607 file. @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process.
11608
11609 To make use of this feature, you have to write in the
11610 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} file a value, in hexadecimal,
11611 which is a bit mask representing the memory mapping types. If a bit
11612 is set in the bit mask, then the memory mappings of the corresponding
11613 types will be dumped; otherwise, they will be ignored. This
11614 configuration is inherited by child processes. For more information
11615 about the bits that can be set in the
11616 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} file, please refer to the
11617 manpage of @code{core(5)}.
11618
11619 By default, this option is @code{on}. If this option is turned
11620 @code{off}, @value{GDBN} does not read the @file{coredump_filter} file
11621 and instead uses the same default value as the Linux kernel in order
11622 to decide which pages will be dumped in the core dump file. This
11623 value is currently @code{0x33}, which means that bits @code{0}
11624 (anonymous private mappings), @code{1} (anonymous shared mappings),
11625 @code{4} (ELF headers) and @code{5} (private huge pages) are active.
11626 This will cause these memory mappings to be dumped automatically.
11627 @end table
11628
11629 @node Character Sets
11630 @section Character Sets
11631 @cindex character sets
11632 @cindex charset
11633 @cindex translating between character sets
11634 @cindex host character set
11635 @cindex target character set
11636
11637 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
11638 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
11639 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
11640 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
11641 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
11642 @dfn{target character set}.
11643
11644 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
11645 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
11646 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
11647 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
11648 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
11649 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
11650 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
11651 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
11652 character and string literals in expressions.
11653
11654 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
11655 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
11656 target-charset} command, described below.
11657
11658 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
11659 support:
11660
11661 @table @code
11662 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
11663 @kindex set target-charset
11664 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
11665 list of supported target character sets, type
11666 @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
11667
11668 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
11669 @kindex set host-charset
11670 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
11671
11672 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
11673 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
11674 @code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
11675 automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
11676 case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
11677
11678 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
11679 set. If you type @kbd{@w{set host-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
11680 @value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
11681
11682 @item set charset @var{charset}
11683 @kindex set charset
11684 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
11685 above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
11686 @value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
11687 for both host and target.
11688
11689 @item show charset
11690 @kindex show charset
11691 Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
11692
11693 @item show host-charset
11694 @kindex show host-charset
11695 Show the name of the current host character set.
11696
11697 @item show target-charset
11698 @kindex show target-charset
11699 Show the name of the current target character set.
11700
11701 @item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
11702 @kindex set target-wide-charset
11703 Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
11704 the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
11705 display the list of supported wide character sets, type
11706 @kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
11707
11708 @item show target-wide-charset
11709 @kindex show target-wide-charset
11710 Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
11711 @end table
11712
11713 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
11714 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
11715 @file{charset-test.c}:
11716
11717 @smallexample
11718 #include <stdio.h>
11719
11720 char ascii_hello[]
11721 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
11722 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
11723 char ibm1047_hello[]
11724 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
11725 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
11726
11727 main ()
11728 @{
11729 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
11730 @}
11731 @end smallexample
11732
11733 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
11734 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
11735 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
11736
11737 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
11738
11739 @smallexample
11740 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
11741 $ gdb -nw charset-test
11742 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
11743 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
11744 @dots{}
11745 (@value{GDBP})
11746 @end smallexample
11747
11748 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
11749 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
11750 strings:
11751
11752 @smallexample
11753 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
11754 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
11755 (@value{GDBP})
11756 @end smallexample
11757
11758 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
11759 initial character set:
11760 @smallexample
11761 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
11762 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
11763 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
11764 (@value{GDBP})
11765 @end smallexample
11766
11767 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
11768 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
11769 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
11770 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
11771 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
11772
11773 @smallexample
11774 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
11775 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
11776 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
11777 $2 = 72 'H'
11778 (@value{GDBP})
11779 @end smallexample
11780
11781 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
11782 literals you use in expressions:
11783
11784 @smallexample
11785 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
11786 $3 = 43 '+'
11787 (@value{GDBP})
11788 @end smallexample
11789
11790 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
11791 character.
11792
11793 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
11794 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
11795 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
11796
11797 @smallexample
11798 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
11799 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
11800 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
11801 $5 = 200 '\310'
11802 (@value{GDBP})
11803 @end smallexample
11804
11805 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
11806 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
11807
11808 @smallexample
11809 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
11810 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
11811 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
11812 @end smallexample
11813
11814 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
11815 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
11816 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
11817 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
11818 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
11819
11820 @smallexample
11821 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
11822 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
11823 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
11824 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
11825 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
11826 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
11827 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
11828 $7 = 72 '\110'
11829 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
11830 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
11831 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
11832 $9 = 200 'H'
11833 (@value{GDBP})
11834 @end smallexample
11835
11836 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
11837 string literals you use in expressions:
11838
11839 @smallexample
11840 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
11841 $10 = 78 '+'
11842 (@value{GDBP})
11843 @end smallexample
11844
11845 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
11846 character.
11847
11848 @node Caching Target Data
11849 @section Caching Data of Targets
11850 @cindex caching data of targets
11851
11852 @value{GDBN} caches data exchanged between the debugger and a target.
11853 Each cache is associated with the address space of the inferior.
11854 @xref{Inferiors and Programs}, about inferior and address space.
11855 Such caching generally improves performance in remote debugging
11856 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), because it reduces the overhead of the
11857 remote protocol by bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks.
11858 Unfortunately, simply caching everything would lead to incorrect results,
11859 since @value{GDBN} does not necessarily know anything about volatile
11860 values, memory-mapped I/O addresses, etc. Furthermore, in non-stop mode
11861 (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) memory can be changed @emph{while} a gdb command
11862 is executing.
11863 Therefore, by default, @value{GDBN} only caches data
11864 known to be on the stack@footnote{In non-stop mode, it is moderately
11865 rare for a running thread to modify the stack of a stopped thread
11866 in a way that would interfere with a backtrace, and caching of
11867 stack reads provides a significant speed up of remote backtraces.} or
11868 in the code segment.
11869 Other regions of memory can be explicitly marked as
11870 cacheable; @pxref{Memory Region Attributes}.
11871
11872 @table @code
11873 @kindex set remotecache
11874 @item set remotecache on
11875 @itemx set remotecache off
11876 This option no longer does anything; it exists for compatibility
11877 with old scripts.
11878
11879 @kindex show remotecache
11880 @item show remotecache
11881 Show the current state of the obsolete remotecache flag.
11882
11883 @kindex set stack-cache
11884 @item set stack-cache on
11885 @itemx set stack-cache off
11886 Enable or disable caching of stack accesses. When @code{on}, use
11887 caching. By default, this option is @code{on}.
11888
11889 @kindex show stack-cache
11890 @item show stack-cache
11891 Show the current state of data caching for memory accesses.
11892
11893 @kindex set code-cache
11894 @item set code-cache on
11895 @itemx set code-cache off
11896 Enable or disable caching of code segment accesses. When @code{on},
11897 use caching. By default, this option is @code{on}. This improves
11898 performance of disassembly in remote debugging.
11899
11900 @kindex show code-cache
11901 @item show code-cache
11902 Show the current state of target memory cache for code segment
11903 accesses.
11904
11905 @kindex info dcache
11906 @item info dcache @r{[}line@r{]}
11907 Print the information about the performance of data cache of the
11908 current inferior's address space. The information displayed
11909 includes the dcache width and depth, and for each cache line, its
11910 number, address, and how many times it was referenced. This
11911 command is useful for debugging the data cache operation.
11912
11913 If a line number is specified, the contents of that line will be
11914 printed in hex.
11915
11916 @item set dcache size @var{size}
11917 @cindex dcache size
11918 @kindex set dcache size
11919 Set maximum number of entries in dcache (dcache depth above).
11920
11921 @item set dcache line-size @var{line-size}
11922 @cindex dcache line-size
11923 @kindex set dcache line-size
11924 Set number of bytes each dcache entry caches (dcache width above).
11925 Must be a power of 2.
11926
11927 @item show dcache size
11928 @kindex show dcache size
11929 Show maximum number of dcache entries. @xref{Caching Target Data, info dcache}.
11930
11931 @item show dcache line-size
11932 @kindex show dcache line-size
11933 Show default size of dcache lines.
11934
11935 @end table
11936
11937 @node Searching Memory
11938 @section Search Memory
11939 @cindex searching memory
11940
11941 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
11942 @code{find} command.
11943
11944 @table @code
11945 @kindex find
11946 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
11947 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
11948 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
11949 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
11950 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
11951 @end table
11952
11953 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
11954 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
11955
11956 @table @r
11957 @item @var{s}, search query size
11958 The size of each search query value.
11959
11960 @table @code
11961 @item b
11962 bytes
11963 @item h
11964 halfwords (two bytes)
11965 @item w
11966 words (four bytes)
11967 @item g
11968 giant words (eight bytes)
11969 @end table
11970
11971 All values are interpreted in the current language.
11972 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
11973 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
11974 The null terminator can be removed from searching by using casts,
11975 e.g.: @samp{@{char[5]@}"hello"}.
11976
11977 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
11978 value's type in the current language.
11979 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
11980 pattern as a mixture of types.
11981 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
11982 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
11983 which is typically four bytes.
11984
11985 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
11986 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
11987 @end table
11988
11989 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
11990 (@code{"}).
11991 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
11992 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
11993
11994 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
11995 number of matches found.
11996
11997 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
11998 @samp{$_}.
11999 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
12000
12001 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
12002
12003 @smallexample
12004 void
12005 hello ()
12006 @{
12007 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
12008 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
12009 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
12010 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
12011 printf ("%s\n", hello);
12012 @}
12013 @end smallexample
12014
12015 @noindent
12016 you get during debugging:
12017
12018 @smallexample
12019 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
12020 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
12021 1 pattern found
12022 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
12023 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
12024 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
12025 2 patterns found.
12026 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), @{char[5]@}"hello"
12027 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
12028 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
12029 2 patterns found.
12030 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
12031 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
12032 1 pattern found
12033 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
12034 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
12035 1 pattern found
12036 (gdb) print $numfound
12037 $1 = 1
12038 (gdb) print $_
12039 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
12040 @end smallexample
12041
12042 @node Value Sizes
12043 @section Value Sizes
12044
12045 Whenever @value{GDBN} prints a value memory will be allocated within
12046 @value{GDBN} to hold the contents of the value. It is possible in
12047 some languages with dynamic typing systems, that an invalid program
12048 may indicate a value that is incorrectly large, this in turn may cause
12049 @value{GDBN} to try and allocate an overly large ammount of memory.
12050
12051 @table @code
12052 @kindex set max-value-size
12053 @item set max-value-size @var{bytes}
12054 @itemx set max-value-size unlimited
12055 Set the maximum size of memory that @value{GDBN} will allocate for the
12056 contents of a value to @var{bytes}, trying to display a value that
12057 requires more memory than that will result in an error.
12058
12059 Setting this variable does not effect values that have already been
12060 allocated within @value{GDBN}, only future allocations.
12061
12062 There's a minimum size that @code{max-value-size} can be set to in
12063 order that @value{GDBN} can still operate correctly, this minimum is
12064 currently 16 bytes.
12065
12066 The limit applies to the results of some subexpressions as well as to
12067 complete expressions. For example, an expression denoting a simple
12068 integer component, such as @code{x.y.z}, may fail if the size of
12069 @var{x.y} is dynamic and exceeds @var{bytes}. On the other hand,
12070 @value{GDBN} is sometimes clever; the expression @code{A[i]}, where
12071 @var{A} is an array variable with non-constant size, will generally
12072 succeed regardless of the bounds on @var{A}, as long as the component
12073 size is less than @var{bytes}.
12074
12075 The default value of @code{max-value-size} is currently 64k.
12076
12077 @kindex show max-value-size
12078 @item show max-value-size
12079 Show the maximum size of memory, in bytes, that @value{GDBN} will
12080 allocate for the contents of a value.
12081 @end table
12082
12083 @node Optimized Code
12084 @chapter Debugging Optimized Code
12085 @cindex optimized code, debugging
12086 @cindex debugging optimized code
12087
12088 Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
12089 disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
12090 directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
12091 applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
12092 diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
12093 information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
12094 the running program back to constructs from your original source.
12095
12096 @value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
12097 can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
12098 progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
12099 where you may need to debug an optimized version.
12100
12101 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
12102 optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
12103 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
12104 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
12105 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
12106 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
12107
12108 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
12109 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
12110 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
12111 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
12112 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
12113
12114 @menu
12115 * Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
12116 * Tail Call Frames:: @value{GDBN} analysis of jumps to functions
12117 @end menu
12118
12119 @node Inline Functions
12120 @section Inline Functions
12121 @cindex inline functions, debugging
12122
12123 @dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
12124 body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
12125 routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
12126 non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
12127 arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
12128 them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
12129 You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
12130 @code{info frame} command.
12131
12132 For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
12133 record information about inlining in the debug information ---
12134 @value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
12135 other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
12136 when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
12137 do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
12138 @samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
12139 function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
12140 displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
12141 local variables in the caller.
12142
12143 The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
12144 unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
12145 the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
12146 start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
12147 the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
12148 the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
12149 instructions are executed.
12150
12151 This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
12152 context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
12153 a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
12154 this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
12155
12156 There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
12157 function calls are the same as normal calls:
12158
12159 @itemize @bullet
12160 @item
12161 Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
12162 work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
12163 may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
12164 function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
12165 version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
12166 or inside the inlined function instead.
12167
12168 @item
12169 @value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
12170 using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
12171 debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
12172 and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
12173
12174 @end itemize
12175
12176 @node Tail Call Frames
12177 @section Tail Call Frames
12178 @cindex tail call frames, debugging
12179
12180 Function @code{B} can call function @code{C} in its very last statement. In
12181 unoptimized compilation the call of @code{C} is immediately followed by return
12182 instruction at the end of @code{B} code. Optimizing compiler may replace the
12183 call and return in function @code{B} into one jump to function @code{C}
12184 instead. Such use of a jump instruction is called @dfn{tail call}.
12185
12186 During execution of function @code{C}, there will be no indication in the
12187 function call stack frames that it was tail-called from @code{B}. If function
12188 @code{A} regularly calls function @code{B} which tail-calls function @code{C},
12189 then @value{GDBN} will see @code{A} as the caller of @code{C}. However, in
12190 some cases @value{GDBN} can determine that @code{C} was tail-called from
12191 @code{B}, and it will then create fictitious call frame for that, with the
12192 return address set up as if @code{B} called @code{C} normally.
12193
12194 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
12195 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_call_site} tags. With
12196 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
12197 this information.
12198
12199 @kbd{info frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info}) will indicate the tail call frame
12200 kind by text @code{tail call frame} such as in this sample @value{GDBN} output:
12201
12202 @smallexample
12203 (gdb) x/i $pc - 2
12204 0x40066b <b(int, double)+11>: jmp 0x400640 <c(int, double)>
12205 (gdb) info frame
12206 Stack level 1, frame at 0x7fffffffda30:
12207 rip = 0x40066d in b (amd64-entry-value.cc:59); saved rip 0x4004c5
12208 tail call frame, caller of frame at 0x7fffffffda30
12209 source language c++.
12210 Arglist at unknown address.
12211 Locals at unknown address, Previous frame's sp is 0x7fffffffda30
12212 @end smallexample
12213
12214 The detection of all the possible code path executions can find them ambiguous.
12215 There is no execution history stored (possible @ref{Reverse Execution} is never
12216 used for this purpose) and the last known caller could have reached the known
12217 callee by multiple different jump sequences. In such case @value{GDBN} still
12218 tries to show at least all the unambiguous top tail callers and all the
12219 unambiguous bottom tail calees, if any.
12220
12221 @table @code
12222 @anchor{set debug entry-values}
12223 @item set debug entry-values
12224 @kindex set debug entry-values
12225 When set to on, enables printing of analysis messages for both frame argument
12226 values at function entry and tail calls. It will show all the possible valid
12227 tail calls code paths it has considered. It will also print the intersection
12228 of them with the final unambiguous (possibly partial or even empty) code path
12229 result.
12230
12231 @item show debug entry-values
12232 @kindex show debug entry-values
12233 Show the current state of analysis messages printing for both frame argument
12234 values at function entry and tail calls.
12235 @end table
12236
12237 The analysis messages for tail calls can for example show why the virtual tail
12238 call frame for function @code{c} has not been recognized (due to the indirect
12239 reference by variable @code{x}):
12240
12241 @smallexample
12242 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void);
12243 void (*x) (void) = c;
12244 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
12245 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ a (); @}
12246 int main (void) @{ x (); return 0; @}
12247
12248 Breakpoint 1, DW_OP_entry_value resolving cannot find
12249 DW_TAG_call_site 0x40039a in main
12250 a () at t.c:3
12251 3 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
12252 (gdb) bt
12253 #0 a () at t.c:3
12254 #1 0x000000000040039a in main () at t.c:5
12255 @end smallexample
12256
12257 Another possibility is an ambiguous virtual tail call frames resolution:
12258
12259 @smallexample
12260 int i;
12261 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) f (void) @{ i++; @}
12262 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) e (void) @{ f (); @}
12263 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) d (void) @{ f (); @}
12264 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ d (); @}
12265 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (void)
12266 @{ if (i) c (); else e (); @}
12267 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ b (); @}
12268 int main (void) @{ a (); return 0; @}
12269
12270 tailcall: initial: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004ce(b) 0x4004b2(c) 0x4004a2(d)
12271 tailcall: compare: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004cc(b) 0x400492(e)
12272 tailcall: reduced: 0x4004d2(a) |
12273 (gdb) bt
12274 #0 f () at t.c:2
12275 #1 0x00000000004004d2 in a () at t.c:8
12276 #2 0x0000000000400395 in main () at t.c:9
12277 @end smallexample
12278
12279 @set CALLSEQ1A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}c@value{ARROW}d@value{ARROW}f}
12280 @set CALLSEQ2A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}e@value{ARROW}f}
12281
12282 @c Convert CALLSEQ#A to CALLSEQ#B depending on HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK.
12283 @ifset HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
12284 @set ARROW @click{}
12285 @set CALLSEQ1B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ1A}}
12286 @set CALLSEQ2B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ2A}}
12287 @end ifset
12288 @ifclear HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
12289 @set ARROW ->
12290 @set CALLSEQ1B @value{CALLSEQ1A}
12291 @set CALLSEQ2B @value{CALLSEQ2A}
12292 @end ifclear
12293
12294 Frames #0 and #2 are real, #1 is a virtual tail call frame.
12295 The code can have possible execution paths @value{CALLSEQ1B} or
12296 @value{CALLSEQ2B}, @value{GDBN} cannot find which one from the inferior state.
12297
12298 @code{initial:} state shows some random possible calling sequence @value{GDBN}
12299 has found. It then finds another possible calling sequcen - that one is
12300 prefixed by @code{compare:}. The non-ambiguous intersection of these two is
12301 printed as the @code{reduced:} calling sequence. That one could have many
12302 futher @code{compare:} and @code{reduced:} statements as long as there remain
12303 any non-ambiguous sequence entries.
12304
12305 For the frame of function @code{b} in both cases there are different possible
12306 @code{$pc} values (@code{0x4004cc} or @code{0x4004ce}), therefore this frame is
12307 also ambigous. The only non-ambiguous frame is the one for function @code{a},
12308 therefore this one is displayed to the user while the ambiguous frames are
12309 omitted.
12310
12311 There can be also reasons why printing of frame argument values at function
12312 entry may fail:
12313
12314 @smallexample
12315 int v;
12316 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (int i) @{ v++; @}
12317 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i);
12318 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (int i) @{ a (i); @}
12319 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i)
12320 @{ if (i) b (i - 1); else c (0); @}
12321 int main (void) @{ a (5); return 0; @}
12322
12323 (gdb) bt
12324 #0 c (i=i@@entry=0) at t.c:2
12325 #1 0x0000000000400428 in a (DW_OP_entry_value resolving has found
12326 function "a" at 0x400420 can call itself via tail calls
12327 i=<optimized out>) at t.c:6
12328 #2 0x000000000040036e in main () at t.c:7
12329 @end smallexample
12330
12331 @value{GDBN} cannot find out from the inferior state if and how many times did
12332 function @code{a} call itself (via function @code{b}) as these calls would be
12333 tail calls. Such tail calls would modify thue @code{i} variable, therefore
12334 @value{GDBN} cannot be sure the value it knows would be right - @value{GDBN}
12335 prints @code{<optimized out>} instead.
12336
12337 @node Macros
12338 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
12339
12340 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
12341 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
12342 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
12343 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
12344 where it was defined.
12345
12346 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
12347 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
12348 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
12349 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
12350
12351 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
12352 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
12353 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
12354 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
12355 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
12356 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
12357 see @ref{List}.
12358
12359 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
12360 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
12361 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
12362
12363 @table @code
12364
12365 @kindex macro expand
12366 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
12367 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
12368 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
12369 @item macro expand @var{expression}
12370 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
12371 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
12372 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
12373 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
12374 it can be any string of tokens.
12375
12376 @kindex macro exp1
12377 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
12378 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
12379 @cindex expand macro once
12380 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
12381 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
12382 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
12383 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
12384 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
12385 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
12386 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
12387 can be any string of tokens.
12388
12389 @kindex info macro
12390 @cindex macro definition, showing
12391 @cindex definition of a macro, showing
12392 @cindex macros, from debug info
12393 @item info macro [-a|-all] [--] @var{macro}
12394 Show the current definition or all definitions of the named @var{macro},
12395 and describe the source location or compiler command-line where that
12396 definition was established. The optional double dash is to signify the end of
12397 argument processing and the beginning of @var{macro} for non C-like macros where
12398 the macro may begin with a hyphen.
12399
12400 @kindex info macros
12401 @item info macros @var{location}
12402 Show all macro definitions that are in effect at the location specified
12403 by @var{location}, and describe the source location or compiler
12404 command-line where those definitions were established.
12405
12406 @kindex macro define
12407 @cindex user-defined macros
12408 @cindex defining macros interactively
12409 @cindex macros, user-defined
12410 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
12411 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
12412 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
12413 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
12414 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
12415 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
12416 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
12417 @var{arglist}.
12418
12419 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
12420 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
12421 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
12422 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
12423 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
12424
12425 @kindex macro undef
12426 @item macro undef @var{macro}
12427 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
12428 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
12429 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
12430 in the program being debugged.
12431
12432 @kindex macro list
12433 @item macro list
12434 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
12435 @end table
12436
12437 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
12438 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
12439 show our source files:
12440
12441 @smallexample
12442 $ cat sample.c
12443 #include <stdio.h>
12444 #include "sample.h"
12445
12446 #define M 42
12447 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
12448
12449 main ()
12450 @{
12451 #define N 28
12452 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
12453 #undef N
12454 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
12455 #define N 1729
12456 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
12457 @}
12458 $ cat sample.h
12459 #define Q <
12460 $
12461 @end smallexample
12462
12463 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
12464 @value{NGCC}. We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2}@footnote{This is the
12465 minimum. Recent versions of @value{NGCC} support @option{-gdwarf-3}
12466 and @option{-gdwarf-4}; we recommend always choosing the most recent
12467 version of DWARF.} @emph{and} @option{-g3} flags to ensure the compiler
12468 includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
12469 information.
12470
12471 @smallexample
12472 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
12473 $
12474 @end smallexample
12475
12476 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
12477
12478 @smallexample
12479 $ gdb -nw sample
12480 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
12481 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
12482 GDB is free software, @dots{}
12483 (@value{GDBP})
12484 @end smallexample
12485
12486 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
12487 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
12488 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
12489
12490 @smallexample
12491 (@value{GDBP}) list main
12492 3
12493 4 #define M 42
12494 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
12495 6
12496 7 main ()
12497 8 @{
12498 9 #define N 28
12499 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
12500 11 #undef N
12501 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
12502 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
12503 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
12504 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
12505 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
12506 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
12507 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
12508 #define Q <
12509 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
12510 expands to: (42 + 1)
12511 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
12512 expands to: once (M + 1)
12513 (@value{GDBP})
12514 @end smallexample
12515
12516 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
12517 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
12518 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
12519 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
12520
12521 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
12522 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
12523
12524 @smallexample
12525 (@value{GDBP}) break main
12526 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
12527 (@value{GDBP}) run
12528 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
12529
12530 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
12531 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
12532 (@value{GDBP})
12533 @end smallexample
12534
12535 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
12536
12537 @smallexample
12538 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
12539 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
12540 #define N 28
12541 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
12542 expands to: 28 < 42
12543 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
12544 $1 = 1
12545 (@value{GDBP})
12546 @end smallexample
12547
12548 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
12549 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
12550 thereof) in force at each point:
12551
12552 @smallexample
12553 (@value{GDBP}) next
12554 Hello, world!
12555 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
12556 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
12557 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
12558 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
12559 (@value{GDBP}) next
12560 We're so creative.
12561 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
12562 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
12563 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
12564 #define N 1729
12565 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
12566 expands to: 1729 < 42
12567 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
12568 $2 = 0
12569 (@value{GDBP})
12570 @end smallexample
12571
12572 In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
12573 line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
12574 such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
12575 of the source file submitted to the compiler.
12576
12577 @smallexample
12578 (@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
12579 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
12580 -D__STDC__=1
12581 (@value{GDBP})
12582 @end smallexample
12583
12584
12585 @node Tracepoints
12586 @chapter Tracepoints
12587 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
12588 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
12589
12590 @cindex tracepoints
12591 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
12592 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
12593 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
12594 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
12595 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
12596 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
12597 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
12598
12599 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
12600 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
12601 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
12602 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
12603 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
12604 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
12605 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
12606 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
12607 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
12608 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
12609 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
12610
12611 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
12612 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
12613 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
12614 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
12615 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
12616 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
12617 Packets}.
12618
12619 It is also possible to get trace data from a file, in a manner reminiscent
12620 of corefiles; you specify the filename, and use @code{tfind} to search
12621 through the file. @xref{Trace Files}, for more details.
12622
12623 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
12624
12625 @menu
12626 * Set Tracepoints::
12627 * Analyze Collected Data::
12628 * Tracepoint Variables::
12629 * Trace Files::
12630 @end menu
12631
12632 @node Set Tracepoints
12633 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
12634
12635 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
12636 tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
12637 breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
12638 standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
12639 tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
12640 of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
12641 as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
12642
12643 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
12644 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
12645 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
12646 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
12647 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
12648 tracepoint was hit.
12649
12650 Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Ignore counts on
12651 tracepoints have no effect, and tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN}
12652 commands when they are hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific
12653 either.
12654
12655 @cindex fast tracepoints
12656 Some targets may support @dfn{fast tracepoints}, which are inserted in
12657 a different way (such as with a jump instead of a trap), that is
12658 faster but possibly restricted in where they may be installed.
12659
12660 @cindex static tracepoints
12661 @cindex markers, static tracepoints
12662 @cindex probing markers, static tracepoints
12663 Regular and fast tracepoints are dynamic tracing facilities, meaning
12664 that they can be used to insert tracepoints at (almost) any location
12665 in the target. Some targets may also support controlling @dfn{static
12666 tracepoints} from @value{GDBN}. With static tracing, a set of
12667 instrumentation points, also known as @dfn{markers}, are embedded in
12668 the target program, and can be activated or deactivated by name or
12669 address. These are usually placed at locations which facilitate
12670 investigating what the target is actually doing. @value{GDBN}'s
12671 support for static tracing includes being able to list instrumentation
12672 points, and attach them with @value{GDBN} defined high level
12673 tracepoints that expose the whole range of convenience of
12674 @value{GDBN}'s tracepoints support. Namely, support for collecting
12675 registers values and values of global or local (to the instrumentation
12676 point) variables; tracepoint conditions and trace state variables.
12677 The act of installing a @value{GDBN} static tracepoint on an
12678 instrumentation point, or marker, is referred to as @dfn{probing} a
12679 static tracepoint marker.
12680
12681 @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints on some target systems.
12682 @xref{Server,,Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}}.
12683
12684 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
12685 conditions and actions.
12686
12687 @menu
12688 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
12689 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
12690 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
12691 * Tracepoint Conditions::
12692 * Trace State Variables::
12693 * Tracepoint Actions::
12694 * Listing Tracepoints::
12695 * Listing Static Tracepoint Markers::
12696 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
12697 * Tracepoint Restrictions::
12698 @end menu
12699
12700 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
12701 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
12702
12703 @table @code
12704 @cindex set tracepoint
12705 @kindex trace
12706 @item trace @var{location}
12707 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
12708 Its argument @var{location} can be any valid location.
12709 @xref{Specify Location}. The @code{trace} command defines a tracepoint,
12710 which is a point in the target program where the debugger will briefly stop,
12711 collect some data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint
12712 or changing its actions takes effect immediately if the remote stub
12713 supports the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature (@pxref{install tracepoint
12714 in tracing}).
12715 If remote stub doesn't support the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature, all
12716 these changes don't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
12717 command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
12718 not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts. In addition,
12719 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{pending tracepoints}---tracepoints whose
12720 address is not yet resolved. (This is similar to pending breakpoints.)
12721 Pending tracepoints are not downloaded to the target and not installed
12722 until they are resolved. The resolution of pending tracepoints requires
12723 @value{GDBN} support---when debugging with the remote target, and
12724 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the remote stub (@pxref{disconnected
12725 tracing}), pending tracepoints can not be resolved (and downloaded to
12726 the remote stub) while @value{GDBN} is disconnected.
12727
12728 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
12729
12730 @smallexample
12731 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
12732
12733 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
12734
12735 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
12736
12737 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
12738
12739 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
12740 @end smallexample
12741
12742 @noindent
12743 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
12744
12745 @item trace @var{location} if @var{cond}
12746 Set a tracepoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
12747 @var{cond} each time the tracepoint is reached, and collect data only
12748 if the value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
12749 @xref{Tracepoint Conditions, ,Tracepoint Conditions}, for more
12750 information on tracepoint conditions.
12751
12752 @item ftrace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
12753 @cindex set fast tracepoint
12754 @cindex fast tracepoints, setting
12755 @kindex ftrace
12756 The @code{ftrace} command sets a fast tracepoint. For targets that
12757 support them, fast tracepoints will use a more efficient but possibly
12758 less general technique to trigger data collection, such as a jump
12759 instruction instead of a trap, or some sort of hardware support. It
12760 may not be possible to create a fast tracepoint at the desired
12761 location, in which case the command will exit with an explanatory
12762 message.
12763
12764 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{ftrace} exactly as for
12765 @code{trace}.
12766
12767 On 32-bit x86-architecture systems, fast tracepoints normally need to
12768 be placed at an instruction that is 5 bytes or longer, but can be
12769 placed at 4-byte instructions if the low 64K of memory of the target
12770 program is available to install trampolines. Some Unix-type systems,
12771 such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, exclude low addresses from the program's
12772 address space; but for instance with the Linux kernel it is possible
12773 to let @value{GDBN} use this area by doing a @command{sysctl} command
12774 to set the @code{mmap_min_addr} kernel parameter, as in
12775
12776 @example
12777 sudo sysctl -w vm.mmap_min_addr=32768
12778 @end example
12779
12780 @noindent
12781 which sets the low address to 32K, which leaves plenty of room for
12782 trampolines. The minimum address should be set to a page boundary.
12783
12784 @item strace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
12785 @cindex set static tracepoint
12786 @cindex static tracepoints, setting
12787 @cindex probe static tracepoint marker
12788 @kindex strace
12789 The @code{strace} command sets a static tracepoint. For targets that
12790 support it, setting a static tracepoint probes a static
12791 instrumentation point, or marker, found at @var{location}. It may not
12792 be possible to set a static tracepoint at the desired location, in
12793 which case the command will exit with an explanatory message.
12794
12795 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{strace} exactly as for
12796 @code{trace}, with the addition that the user can also specify
12797 @code{-m @var{marker}} as @var{location}. This probes the marker
12798 identified by the @var{marker} string identifier. This identifier
12799 depends on the static tracepoint backend library your program is
12800 using. You can find all the marker identifiers in the @samp{ID} field
12801 of the @code{info static-tracepoint-markers} command output.
12802 @xref{Listing Static Tracepoint Markers,,Listing Static Tracepoint
12803 Markers}. For example, in the following small program using the UST
12804 tracing engine:
12805
12806 @smallexample
12807 main ()
12808 @{
12809 trace_mark(ust, bar33, "str %s", "FOOBAZ");
12810 @}
12811 @end smallexample
12812
12813 @noindent
12814 the marker id is composed of joining the first two arguments to the
12815 @code{trace_mark} call with a slash, which translates to:
12816
12817 @smallexample
12818 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
12819 Cnt Enb ID Address What
12820 1 n ust/bar33 0x0000000000400ddc in main at stexample.c:22
12821 Data: "str %s"
12822 [etc...]
12823 @end smallexample
12824
12825 @noindent
12826 so you may probe the marker above with:
12827
12828 @smallexample
12829 (@value{GDBP}) strace -m ust/bar33
12830 @end smallexample
12831
12832 Static tracepoints accept an extra collect action --- @code{collect
12833 $_sdata}. This collects arbitrary user data passed in the probe point
12834 call to the tracing library. In the UST example above, you'll see
12835 that the third argument to @code{trace_mark} is a printf-like format
12836 string. The user data is then the result of running that formating
12837 string against the following arguments. Note that @code{info
12838 static-tracepoint-markers} command output lists that format string in
12839 the @samp{Data:} field.
12840
12841 You can inspect this data when analyzing the trace buffer, by printing
12842 the $_sdata variable like any other variable available to
12843 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}.
12844
12845 @vindex $tpnum
12846 @cindex last tracepoint number
12847 @cindex recent tracepoint number
12848 @cindex tracepoint number
12849 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
12850 of the most recently set tracepoint.
12851
12852 @kindex delete tracepoint
12853 @cindex tracepoint deletion
12854 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
12855 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
12856 default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
12857 @code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
12858
12859 Examples:
12860
12861 @smallexample
12862 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
12863
12864 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
12865 @end smallexample
12866
12867 @noindent
12868 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
12869 @end table
12870
12871 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
12872 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
12873
12874 These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
12875
12876 @table @code
12877 @kindex disable tracepoint
12878 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
12879 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
12880 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
12881 a trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
12882 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
12883 If the command is issued during a trace experiment and the debug target
12884 has support for disabling tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the
12885 change will be effective immediately. Otherwise, it will be applied to the
12886 next trace experiment.
12887
12888 @kindex enable tracepoint
12889 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
12890 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. If this command is
12891 issued during a trace experiment and the debug target supports enabling
12892 tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the enabled tracepoints will
12893 become effective immediately. Otherwise, they will become effective the
12894 next time a trace experiment is run.
12895 @end table
12896
12897 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
12898 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
12899
12900 @table @code
12901 @kindex passcount
12902 @cindex tracepoint pass count
12903 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
12904 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
12905 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
12906 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
12907 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
12908 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
12909 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
12910 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
12911 user.
12912
12913 Examples:
12914
12915 @smallexample
12916 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
12917 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
12918
12919 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
12920 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
12921 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
12922 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
12923 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
12924 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
12925 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
12926 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
12927 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
12928 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
12929 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
12930 @end smallexample
12931 @end table
12932
12933 @node Tracepoint Conditions
12934 @subsection Tracepoint Conditions
12935 @cindex conditional tracepoints
12936 @cindex tracepoint conditions
12937
12938 The simplest sort of tracepoint collects data every time your program
12939 reaches a specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for
12940 a tracepoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
12941 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A
12942 tracepoint with a condition evaluates the expression each time your
12943 program reaches it, and data collection happens only if the condition
12944 is true.
12945
12946 Tracepoint conditions can be specified when a tracepoint is set, by
12947 using @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{trace} command.
12948 @xref{Create and Delete Tracepoints, ,Setting Tracepoints}. They can
12949 also be set or changed at any time with the @code{condition} command,
12950 just as with breakpoints.
12951
12952 Unlike breakpoint conditions, @value{GDBN} does not actually evaluate
12953 the conditional expression itself. Instead, @value{GDBN} encodes the
12954 expression into an agent expression (@pxref{Agent Expressions})
12955 suitable for execution on the target, independently of @value{GDBN}.
12956 Global variables become raw memory locations, locals become stack
12957 accesses, and so forth.
12958
12959 For instance, suppose you have a function that is usually called
12960 frequently, but should not be called after an error has occurred. You
12961 could use the following tracepoint command to collect data about calls
12962 of that function that happen while the error code is propagating
12963 through the program; an unconditional tracepoint could end up
12964 collecting thousands of useless trace frames that you would have to
12965 search through.
12966
12967 @smallexample
12968 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{trace normal_operation if errcode > 0}
12969 @end smallexample
12970
12971 @node Trace State Variables
12972 @subsection Trace State Variables
12973 @cindex trace state variables
12974
12975 A @dfn{trace state variable} is a special type of variable that is
12976 created and managed by target-side code. The syntax is the same as
12977 that for GDB's convenience variables (a string prefixed with ``$''),
12978 but they are stored on the target. They must be created explicitly,
12979 using a @code{tvariable} command. They are always 64-bit signed
12980 integers.
12981
12982 Trace state variables are remembered by @value{GDBN}, and downloaded
12983 to the target along with tracepoint information when the trace
12984 experiment starts. There are no intrinsic limits on the number of
12985 trace state variables, beyond memory limitations of the target.
12986
12987 @cindex convenience variables, and trace state variables
12988 Although trace state variables are managed by the target, you can use
12989 them in print commands and expressions as if they were convenience
12990 variables; @value{GDBN} will get the current value from the target
12991 while the trace experiment is running. Trace state variables share
12992 the same namespace as other ``$'' variables, which means that you
12993 cannot have trace state variables with names like @code{$23} or
12994 @code{$pc}, nor can you have a trace state variable and a convenience
12995 variable with the same name.
12996
12997 @table @code
12998
12999 @item tvariable $@var{name} [ = @var{expression} ]
13000 @kindex tvariable
13001 The @code{tvariable} command creates a new trace state variable named
13002 @code{$@var{name}}, and optionally gives it an initial value of
13003 @var{expression}. The @var{expression} is evaluated when this command is
13004 entered; the result will be converted to an integer if possible,
13005 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error. A subsequent
13006 @code{tvariable} command specifying the same name does not create a
13007 variable, but instead assigns the supplied initial value to the
13008 existing variable of that name, overwriting any previous initial
13009 value. The default initial value is 0.
13010
13011 @item info tvariables
13012 @kindex info tvariables
13013 List all the trace state variables along with their initial values.
13014 Their current values may also be displayed, if the trace experiment is
13015 currently running.
13016
13017 @item delete tvariable @r{[} $@var{name} @dots{} @r{]}
13018 @kindex delete tvariable
13019 Delete the given trace state variables, or all of them if no arguments
13020 are specified.
13021
13022 @end table
13023
13024 @node Tracepoint Actions
13025 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
13026
13027 @table @code
13028 @kindex actions
13029 @cindex tracepoint actions
13030 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
13031 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
13032 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
13033 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
13034 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
13035 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
13036 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
13037 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
13038 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect}, @code{teval}, and
13039 @code{while-stepping}.
13040
13041 @code{actions} is actually equivalent to @code{commands} (@pxref{Break
13042 Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}), except that only the defined
13043 actions are allowed; any other @value{GDBN} command is rejected.
13044
13045 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
13046 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
13047 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
13048
13049 @smallexample
13050 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
13051
13052 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
13053
13054 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
13055 @end smallexample
13056
13057 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
13058 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
13059 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
13060 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
13061 followed by the list of things to be collected after each step in a
13062 sequence of single steps. The @code{while-stepping} command is
13063 terminated by its own separate @code{end} command. Lastly, the action
13064 list is terminated by an @code{end} command.
13065
13066 @smallexample
13067 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
13068 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
13069 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
13070 > collect bar,baz
13071 > collect $regs
13072 > while-stepping 12
13073 > collect $pc, arr[i]
13074 > end
13075 end
13076 @end smallexample
13077
13078 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
13079 @item collect@r{[}/@var{mods}@r{]} @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
13080 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
13081 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
13082 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
13083 special arguments are supported:
13084
13085 @table @code
13086 @item $regs
13087 Collect all registers.
13088
13089 @item $args
13090 Collect all function arguments.
13091
13092 @item $locals
13093 Collect all local variables.
13094
13095 @item $_ret
13096 Collect the return address. This is helpful if you want to see more
13097 of a backtrace.
13098
13099 @emph{Note:} The return address location can not always be reliably
13100 determined up front, and the wrong address / registers may end up
13101 collected instead. On some architectures the reliability is higher
13102 for tracepoints at function entry, while on others it's the opposite.
13103 When this happens, backtracing will stop because the return address is
13104 found unavailable (unless another collect rule happened to match it).
13105
13106 @item $_probe_argc
13107 Collects the number of arguments from the static probe at which the
13108 tracepoint is located.
13109 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
13110
13111 @item $_probe_arg@var{n}
13112 @var{n} is an integer between 0 and 11. Collects the @var{n}th argument
13113 from the static probe at which the tracepoint is located.
13114 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
13115
13116 @item $_sdata
13117 @vindex $_sdata@r{, collect}
13118 Collect static tracepoint marker specific data. Only available for
13119 static tracepoints. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action
13120 Lists}. On the UST static tracepoints library backend, an
13121 instrumentation point resembles a @code{printf} function call. The
13122 tracing library is able to collect user specified data formatted to a
13123 character string using the format provided by the programmer that
13124 instrumented the program. Other backends have similar mechanisms.
13125 Here's an example of a UST marker call:
13126
13127 @smallexample
13128 const char master_name[] = "$your_name";
13129 trace_mark(channel1, marker1, "hello %s", master_name)
13130 @end smallexample
13131
13132 In this case, collecting @code{$_sdata} collects the string
13133 @samp{hello $yourname}. When analyzing the trace buffer, you can
13134 inspect @samp{$_sdata} like any other variable available to
13135 @value{GDBN}.
13136 @end table
13137
13138 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
13139 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
13140 arguments separated by commas; the effect is the same.
13141
13142 The optional @var{mods} changes the usual handling of the arguments.
13143 @code{s} requests that pointers to chars be handled as strings, in
13144 particular collecting the contents of the memory being pointed at, up
13145 to the first zero. The upper bound is by default the value of the
13146 @code{print elements} variable; if @code{s} is followed by a decimal
13147 number, that is the upper bound instead. So for instance
13148 @samp{collect/s25 mystr} collects as many as 25 characters at
13149 @samp{mystr}.
13150
13151 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
13152 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
13153
13154 @kindex teval @r{(tracepoints)}
13155 @item teval @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
13156 Evaluate the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit. This
13157 command accepts a comma-separated list of expressions. The results
13158 are discarded, so this is mainly useful for assigning values to trace
13159 state variables (@pxref{Trace State Variables}) without adding those
13160 values to the trace buffer, as would be the case if the @code{collect}
13161 action were used.
13162
13163 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
13164 @item while-stepping @var{n}
13165 Perform @var{n} single-step instruction traces after the tracepoint,
13166 collecting new data after each step. The @code{while-stepping}
13167 command is followed by the list of what to collect while stepping
13168 (followed by its own @code{end} command):
13169
13170 @smallexample
13171 > while-stepping 12
13172 > collect $regs, myglobal
13173 > end
13174 >
13175 @end smallexample
13176
13177 @noindent
13178 Note that @code{$pc} is not automatically collected by
13179 @code{while-stepping}; you need to explicitly collect that register if
13180 you need it. You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
13181 @code{stepping}.
13182
13183 @item set default-collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
13184 @kindex set default-collect
13185 @cindex default collection action
13186 This variable is a list of expressions to collect at each tracepoint
13187 hit. It is effectively an additional @code{collect} action prepended
13188 to every tracepoint action list. The expressions are parsed
13189 individually for each tracepoint, so for instance a variable named
13190 @code{xyz} may be interpreted as a global for one tracepoint, and a
13191 local for another, as appropriate to the tracepoint's location.
13192
13193 @item show default-collect
13194 @kindex show default-collect
13195 Show the list of expressions that are collected by default at each
13196 tracepoint hit.
13197
13198 @end table
13199
13200 @node Listing Tracepoints
13201 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
13202
13203 @table @code
13204 @kindex info tracepoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
13205 @kindex info tp @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
13206 @cindex information about tracepoints
13207 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@dots{}@r{]}
13208 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
13209 specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
13210 tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
13211 @code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
13212 command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
13213
13214 A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
13215 tracing:
13216
13217 @itemize @bullet
13218 @item
13219 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
13220
13221 @item
13222 the state about installed on target of each location
13223 @end itemize
13224
13225 @smallexample
13226 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
13227 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
13228 1 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
13229 while-stepping 20
13230 collect globfoo, $regs
13231 end
13232 collect globfoo2
13233 end
13234 pass count 1200
13235 2 tracepoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
13236 collect $eip
13237 2.1 y 0x0804859c in func4 at change-loc.h:35
13238 installed on target
13239 2.2 y 0xb7ffc480 in func4 at change-loc.h:35
13240 installed on target
13241 2.3 y <PENDING> set_tracepoint
13242 3 tracepoint keep y 0x080485b1 in foo at change-loc.c:29
13243 not installed on target
13244 (@value{GDBP})
13245 @end smallexample
13246
13247 @noindent
13248 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
13249 @end table
13250
13251 @node Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
13252 @subsection Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
13253
13254 @table @code
13255 @kindex info static-tracepoint-markers
13256 @cindex information about static tracepoint markers
13257 @item info static-tracepoint-markers
13258 Display information about all static tracepoint markers defined in the
13259 program.
13260
13261 For each marker, the following columns are printed:
13262
13263 @table @emph
13264 @item Count
13265 An incrementing counter, output to help readability. This is not a
13266 stable identifier.
13267 @item ID
13268 The marker ID, as reported by the target.
13269 @item Enabled or Disabled
13270 Probed markers are tagged with @samp{y}. @samp{n} identifies marks
13271 that are not enabled.
13272 @item Address
13273 Where the marker is in your program, as a memory address.
13274 @item What
13275 Where the marker is in the source for your program, as a file and line
13276 number. If the debug information included in the program does not
13277 allow @value{GDBN} to locate the source of the marker, this column
13278 will be left blank.
13279 @end table
13280
13281 @noindent
13282 In addition, the following information may be printed for each marker:
13283
13284 @table @emph
13285 @item Data
13286 User data passed to the tracing library by the marker call. In the
13287 UST backend, this is the format string passed as argument to the
13288 marker call.
13289 @item Static tracepoints probing the marker
13290 The list of static tracepoints attached to the marker.
13291 @end table
13292
13293 @smallexample
13294 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
13295 Cnt ID Enb Address What
13296 1 ust/bar2 y 0x0000000000400e1a in main at stexample.c:25
13297 Data: number1 %d number2 %d
13298 Probed by static tracepoints: #2
13299 2 ust/bar33 n 0x0000000000400c87 in main at stexample.c:24
13300 Data: str %s
13301 (@value{GDBP})
13302 @end smallexample
13303 @end table
13304
13305 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
13306 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
13307
13308 @table @code
13309 @kindex tstart [ @var{notes} ]
13310 @cindex start a new trace experiment
13311 @cindex collected data discarded
13312 @item tstart
13313 This command starts the trace experiment, and begins collecting data.
13314 It has the side effect of discarding all the data collected in the
13315 trace buffer during the previous trace experiment. If any arguments
13316 are supplied, they are taken as a note and stored with the trace
13317 experiment's state. The notes may be arbitrary text, and are
13318 especially useful with disconnected tracing in a multi-user context;
13319 the notes can explain what the trace is doing, supply user contact
13320 information, and so forth.
13321
13322 @kindex tstop [ @var{notes} ]
13323 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
13324 @item tstop
13325 This command stops the trace experiment. If any arguments are
13326 supplied, they are recorded with the experiment as a note. This is
13327 useful if you are stopping a trace started by someone else, for
13328 instance if the trace is interfering with the system's behavior and
13329 needs to be stopped quickly.
13330
13331 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
13332 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
13333 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
13334
13335 @kindex tstatus
13336 @cindex status of trace data collection
13337 @cindex trace experiment, status of
13338 @item tstatus
13339 This command displays the status of the current trace data
13340 collection.
13341 @end table
13342
13343 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
13344
13345 @smallexample
13346 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
13347 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
13348 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
13349 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
13350 > while-stepping 11
13351 > collect $regs
13352 > end
13353 > end
13354 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
13355 [time passes @dots{}]
13356 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
13357 @end smallexample
13358
13359 @anchor{disconnected tracing}
13360 @cindex disconnected tracing
13361 You can choose to continue running the trace experiment even if
13362 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target, voluntarily or
13363 involuntarily. For commands such as @code{detach}, the debugger will
13364 ask what you want to do with the trace. But for unexpected
13365 terminations (@value{GDBN} crash, network outage), it would be
13366 unfortunate to lose hard-won trace data, so the variable
13367 @code{disconnected-tracing} lets you decide whether the trace should
13368 continue running without @value{GDBN}.
13369
13370 @table @code
13371 @item set disconnected-tracing on
13372 @itemx set disconnected-tracing off
13373 @kindex set disconnected-tracing
13374 Choose whether a tracing run should continue to run if @value{GDBN}
13375 has disconnected from the target. Note that @code{detach} or
13376 @code{quit} will ask you directly what to do about a running trace no
13377 matter what this variable's setting, so the variable is mainly useful
13378 for handling unexpected situations, such as loss of the network.
13379
13380 @item show disconnected-tracing
13381 @kindex show disconnected-tracing
13382 Show the current choice for disconnected tracing.
13383
13384 @end table
13385
13386 When you reconnect to the target, the trace experiment may or may not
13387 still be running; it might have filled the trace buffer in the
13388 meantime, or stopped for one of the other reasons. If it is running,
13389 it will continue after reconnection.
13390
13391 Upon reconnection, the target will upload information about the
13392 tracepoints in effect. @value{GDBN} will then compare that
13393 information to the set of tracepoints currently defined, and attempt
13394 to match them up, allowing for the possibility that the numbers may
13395 have changed due to creation and deletion in the meantime. If one of
13396 the target's tracepoints does not match any in @value{GDBN}, the
13397 debugger will create a new tracepoint, so that you have a number with
13398 which to specify that tracepoint. This matching-up process is
13399 necessarily heuristic, and it may result in useless tracepoints being
13400 created; you may simply delete them if they are of no use.
13401
13402 @cindex circular trace buffer
13403 If your target agent supports a @dfn{circular trace buffer}, then you
13404 can run a trace experiment indefinitely without filling the trace
13405 buffer; when space runs out, the agent deletes already-collected trace
13406 frames, oldest first, until there is enough room to continue
13407 collecting. This is especially useful if your tracepoints are being
13408 hit too often, and your trace gets terminated prematurely because the
13409 buffer is full. To ask for a circular trace buffer, simply set
13410 @samp{circular-trace-buffer} to on. You can set this at any time,
13411 including during tracing; if the agent can do it, it will change
13412 buffer handling on the fly, otherwise it will not take effect until
13413 the next run.
13414
13415 @table @code
13416 @item set circular-trace-buffer on
13417 @itemx set circular-trace-buffer off
13418 @kindex set circular-trace-buffer
13419 Choose whether a tracing run should use a linear or circular buffer
13420 for trace data. A linear buffer will not lose any trace data, but may
13421 fill up prematurely, while a circular buffer will discard old trace
13422 data, but it will have always room for the latest tracepoint hits.
13423
13424 @item show circular-trace-buffer
13425 @kindex show circular-trace-buffer
13426 Show the current choice for the trace buffer. Note that this may not
13427 match the agent's current buffer handling, nor is it guaranteed to
13428 match the setting that might have been in effect during a past run,
13429 for instance if you are looking at frames from a trace file.
13430
13431 @end table
13432
13433 @table @code
13434 @item set trace-buffer-size @var{n}
13435 @itemx set trace-buffer-size unlimited
13436 @kindex set trace-buffer-size
13437 Request that the target use a trace buffer of @var{n} bytes. Not all
13438 targets will honor the request; they may have a compiled-in size for
13439 the trace buffer, or some other limitation. Set to a value of
13440 @code{unlimited} or @code{-1} to let the target use whatever size it
13441 likes. This is also the default.
13442
13443 @item show trace-buffer-size
13444 @kindex show trace-buffer-size
13445 Show the current requested size for the trace buffer. Note that this
13446 will only match the actual size if the target supports size-setting,
13447 and was able to handle the requested size. For instance, if the
13448 target can only change buffer size between runs, this variable will
13449 not reflect the change until the next run starts. Use @code{tstatus}
13450 to get a report of the actual buffer size.
13451 @end table
13452
13453 @table @code
13454 @item set trace-user @var{text}
13455 @kindex set trace-user
13456
13457 @item show trace-user
13458 @kindex show trace-user
13459
13460 @item set trace-notes @var{text}
13461 @kindex set trace-notes
13462 Set the trace run's notes.
13463
13464 @item show trace-notes
13465 @kindex show trace-notes
13466 Show the trace run's notes.
13467
13468 @item set trace-stop-notes @var{text}
13469 @kindex set trace-stop-notes
13470 Set the trace run's stop notes. The handling of the note is as for
13471 @code{tstop} arguments; the set command is convenient way to fix a
13472 stop note that is mistaken or incomplete.
13473
13474 @item show trace-stop-notes
13475 @kindex show trace-stop-notes
13476 Show the trace run's stop notes.
13477
13478 @end table
13479
13480 @node Tracepoint Restrictions
13481 @subsection Tracepoint Restrictions
13482
13483 @cindex tracepoint restrictions
13484 There are a number of restrictions on the use of tracepoints. As
13485 described above, tracepoint data gathering occurs on the target
13486 without interaction from @value{GDBN}. Thus the full capabilities of
13487 the debugger are not available during data gathering, and then at data
13488 examination time, you will be limited by only having what was
13489 collected. The following items describe some common problems, but it
13490 is not exhaustive, and you may run into additional difficulties not
13491 mentioned here.
13492
13493 @itemize @bullet
13494
13495 @item
13496 Tracepoint expressions are intended to gather objects (lvalues). Thus
13497 the full flexibility of GDB's expression evaluator is not available.
13498 You cannot call functions, cast objects to aggregate types, access
13499 convenience variables or modify values (except by assignment to trace
13500 state variables). Some language features may implicitly call
13501 functions (for instance Objective-C fields with accessors), and therefore
13502 cannot be collected either.
13503
13504 @item
13505 Collection of local variables, either individually or in bulk with
13506 @code{$locals} or @code{$args}, during @code{while-stepping} may
13507 behave erratically. The stepping action may enter a new scope (for
13508 instance by stepping into a function), or the location of the variable
13509 may change (for instance it is loaded into a register). The
13510 tracepoint data recorded uses the location information for the
13511 variables that is correct for the tracepoint location. When the
13512 tracepoint is created, it is not possible, in general, to determine
13513 where the steps of a @code{while-stepping} sequence will advance the
13514 program---particularly if a conditional branch is stepped.
13515
13516 @item
13517 Collection of an incompletely-initialized or partially-destroyed object
13518 may result in something that @value{GDBN} cannot display, or displays
13519 in a misleading way.
13520
13521 @item
13522 When @value{GDBN} displays a pointer to character it automatically
13523 dereferences the pointer to also display characters of the string
13524 being pointed to. However, collecting the pointer during tracing does
13525 not automatically collect the string. You need to explicitly
13526 dereference the pointer and provide size information if you want to
13527 collect not only the pointer, but the memory pointed to. For example,
13528 @code{*ptr@@50} can be used to collect the 50 element array pointed to
13529 by @code{ptr}.
13530
13531 @item
13532 It is not possible to collect a complete stack backtrace at a
13533 tracepoint. Instead, you may collect the registers and a few hundred
13534 bytes from the stack pointer with something like @code{*(unsigned char *)$esp@@300}
13535 (adjust to use the name of the actual stack pointer register on your
13536 target architecture, and the amount of stack you wish to capture).
13537 Then the @code{backtrace} command will show a partial backtrace when
13538 using a trace frame. The number of stack frames that can be examined
13539 depends on the sizes of the frames in the collected stack. Note that
13540 if you ask for a block so large that it goes past the bottom of the
13541 stack, the target agent may report an error trying to read from an
13542 invalid address.
13543
13544 @item
13545 If you do not collect registers at a tracepoint, @value{GDBN} can
13546 infer that the value of @code{$pc} must be the same as the address of
13547 the tracepoint and use that when you are looking at a trace frame
13548 for that tracepoint. However, this cannot work if the tracepoint has
13549 multiple locations (for instance if it was set in a function that was
13550 inlined), or if it has a @code{while-stepping} loop. In those cases
13551 @value{GDBN} will warn you that it can't infer @code{$pc}, and default
13552 it to zero.
13553
13554 @end itemize
13555
13556 @node Analyze Collected Data
13557 @section Using the Collected Data
13558
13559 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
13560 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
13561 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
13562 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
13563 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
13564 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
13565 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
13566 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
13567 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
13568 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
13569 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
13570 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
13571 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
13572 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
13573 the buffer will fail.
13574
13575 @menu
13576 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
13577 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
13578 * save tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
13579 @end menu
13580
13581 @node tfind
13582 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
13583
13584 @kindex tfind
13585 @cindex select trace snapshot
13586 @cindex find trace snapshot
13587 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
13588 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
13589 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
13590 snapshot is selected.
13591
13592 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
13593
13594 @table @code
13595 @item tfind start
13596 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
13597 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
13598
13599 @item tfind none
13600 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
13601
13602 @item tfind end
13603 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
13604
13605 @item tfind
13606 No argument means find the next trace snapshot or find the first
13607 one if no trace snapshot is selected.
13608
13609 @item tfind -
13610 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
13611 retracing earlier steps.
13612
13613 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
13614 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
13615 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
13616 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
13617 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
13618
13619 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
13620 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
13621 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
13622 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
13623 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
13624
13625 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
13626 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
13627 addresses (exclusive).
13628
13629 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
13630 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
13631 @var{addr2} (inclusive).
13632
13633 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
13634 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
13635 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
13636 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
13637 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
13638 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
13639 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
13640 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
13641 @end table
13642
13643 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
13644 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
13645 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
13646 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
13647 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
13648 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
13649 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
13650 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
13651 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
13652 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
13653 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
13654 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
13655 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
13656 tracepoint as the current one.
13657
13658 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
13659 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
13660 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
13661 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
13662 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
13663
13664 @smallexample
13665 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
13666 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
13667 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
13668 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
13669 > tfind
13670 > end
13671
13672 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
13673 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
13674 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
13675 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
13676 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
13677 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
13678 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
13679 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
13680 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
13681 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
13682 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
13683 @end smallexample
13684
13685 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
13686 the buffer:
13687
13688 @smallexample
13689 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
13690 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
13691 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
13692 > tfind line
13693 > end
13694
13695 Frame 0, X = 1
13696 Frame 7, X = 2
13697 Frame 13, X = 255
13698 @end smallexample
13699
13700 @node tdump
13701 @subsection @code{tdump}
13702 @kindex tdump
13703 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
13704 @cindex tracepoint data, display
13705
13706 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
13707 the current trace snapshot.
13708
13709 @smallexample
13710 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
13711 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
13712 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
13713 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
13714 > end
13715
13716 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
13717
13718 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
13719 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
13720 at gdb_test.c:444
13721 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
13722
13723 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
13724 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
13725 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
13726 d1 0x18 24
13727 d2 0x80 128
13728 d3 0x33 51
13729 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
13730 d5 0x22 34
13731 d6 0xe0 224
13732 d7 0x380035 3670069
13733 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
13734 a1 0x3000668 50333288
13735 a2 0x100 256
13736 a3 0x322000 3284992
13737 a4 0x3000698 50333336
13738 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
13739 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
13740 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
13741 ps 0x0 0
13742 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
13743 fpcontrol 0x0 0
13744 fpstatus 0x0 0
13745 fpiaddr 0x0 0
13746 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
13747 p1 = (void *) 0x11
13748 p2 = (void *) 0x22
13749 p3 = (void *) 0x33
13750 p4 = (void *) 0x44
13751 p5 = (void *) 0x55
13752 p6 = (void *) 0x66
13753 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
13754
13755 (@value{GDBP})
13756 @end smallexample
13757
13758 @code{tdump} works by scanning the tracepoint's current collection
13759 actions and printing the value of each expression listed. So
13760 @code{tdump} can fail, if after a run, you change the tracepoint's
13761 actions to mention variables that were not collected during the run.
13762
13763 Also, for tracepoints with @code{while-stepping} loops, @code{tdump}
13764 uses the collected value of @code{$pc} to distinguish between trace
13765 frames that were collected at the tracepoint hit, and frames that were
13766 collected while stepping. This allows it to correctly choose whether
13767 to display the basic list of collections, or the collections from the
13768 body of the while-stepping loop. However, if @code{$pc} was not collected,
13769 then @code{tdump} will always attempt to dump using the basic collection
13770 list, and may fail if a while-stepping frame does not include all the
13771 same data that is collected at the tracepoint hit.
13772 @c This is getting pretty arcane, example would be good.
13773
13774 @node save tracepoints
13775 @subsection @code{save tracepoints @var{filename}}
13776 @kindex save tracepoints
13777 @kindex save-tracepoints
13778 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
13779
13780 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
13781 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
13782 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
13783 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
13784 Files}). The @w{@code{save-tracepoints}} command is a deprecated
13785 alias for @w{@code{save tracepoints}}
13786
13787 @node Tracepoint Variables
13788 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
13789 @cindex tracepoint variables
13790 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
13791
13792 @table @code
13793 @vindex $trace_frame
13794 @item (int) $trace_frame
13795 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
13796 snapshot is selected.
13797
13798 @vindex $tracepoint
13799 @item (int) $tracepoint
13800 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
13801
13802 @vindex $trace_line
13803 @item (int) $trace_line
13804 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
13805
13806 @vindex $trace_file
13807 @item (char []) $trace_file
13808 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
13809
13810 @vindex $trace_func
13811 @item (char []) $trace_func
13812 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
13813 @end table
13814
13815 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
13816 use @code{output} instead.
13817
13818 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
13819 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
13820 data. Note that these are not the same as trace state variables,
13821 which are managed by the target.
13822
13823 @smallexample
13824 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
13825
13826 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
13827 > output $trace_file
13828 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
13829 > tfind
13830 > end
13831 @end smallexample
13832
13833 @node Trace Files
13834 @section Using Trace Files
13835 @cindex trace files
13836
13837 In some situations, the target running a trace experiment may no
13838 longer be available; perhaps it crashed, or the hardware was needed
13839 for a different activity. To handle these cases, you can arrange to
13840 dump the trace data into a file, and later use that file as a source
13841 of trace data, via the @code{target tfile} command.
13842
13843 @table @code
13844
13845 @kindex tsave
13846 @item tsave [ -r ] @var{filename}
13847 @itemx tsave [-ctf] @var{dirname}
13848 Save the trace data to @var{filename}. By default, this command
13849 assumes that @var{filename} refers to the host filesystem, so if
13850 necessary @value{GDBN} will copy raw trace data up from the target and
13851 then save it. If the target supports it, you can also supply the
13852 optional argument @code{-r} (``remote'') to direct the target to save
13853 the data directly into @var{filename} in its own filesystem, which may be
13854 more efficient if the trace buffer is very large. (Note, however, that
13855 @code{target tfile} can only read from files accessible to the host.)
13856 By default, this command will save trace frame in tfile format.
13857 You can supply the optional argument @code{-ctf} to save data in CTF
13858 format. The @dfn{Common Trace Format} (CTF) is proposed as a trace format
13859 that can be shared by multiple debugging and tracing tools. Please go to
13860 @indicateurl{http://www.efficios.com/ctf} to get more information.
13861
13862 @kindex target tfile
13863 @kindex tfile
13864 @kindex target ctf
13865 @kindex ctf
13866 @item target tfile @var{filename}
13867 @itemx target ctf @var{dirname}
13868 Use the file named @var{filename} or directory named @var{dirname} as
13869 a source of trace data. Commands that examine data work as they do with
13870 a live target, but it is not possible to run any new trace experiments.
13871 @code{tstatus} will report the state of the trace run at the moment
13872 the data was saved, as well as the current trace frame you are examining.
13873 Both @var{filename} and @var{dirname} must be on a filesystem accessible to
13874 the host.
13875
13876 @smallexample
13877 (@value{GDBP}) target ctf ctf.ctf
13878 (@value{GDBP}) tfind
13879 Found trace frame 0, tracepoint 2
13880 39 ++a; /* set tracepoint 1 here */
13881 (@value{GDBP}) tdump
13882 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 0:
13883 i = 0
13884 a = 0
13885 b = 1 '\001'
13886 c = @{"123", "456", "789", "123", "456", "789"@}
13887 d = @{@{@{a = 1, b = 2@}, @{a = 3, b = 4@}@}, @{@{a = 5, b = 6@}, @{a = 7, b = 8@}@}@}
13888 (@value{GDBP}) p b
13889 $1 = 1
13890 @end smallexample
13891
13892 @end table
13893
13894 @node Overlays
13895 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
13896 @cindex overlays
13897
13898 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
13899 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
13900 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
13901 use overlays.
13902
13903 @menu
13904 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
13905 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
13906 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
13907 mapped by asking the inferior.
13908 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
13909 @end menu
13910
13911 @node How Overlays Work
13912 @section How Overlays Work
13913 @cindex mapped overlays
13914 @cindex unmapped overlays
13915 @cindex load address, overlay's
13916 @cindex mapped address
13917 @cindex overlay area
13918
13919 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
13920 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
13921 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
13922 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
13923 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
13924
13925 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
13926 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
13927 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
13928 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
13929 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
13930 largest overlay as well.
13931
13932 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
13933 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
13934 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
13935 there.
13936
13937 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
13938 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
13939 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
13940
13941 @smallexample
13942 @group
13943 Data Instruction Larger
13944 Address Space Address Space Address Space
13945 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
13946 | | | | | |
13947 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
13948 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
13949 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
13950 | and heap | | | | | |
13951 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
13952 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
13953 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
13954 | | | | | |
13955 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
13956 address | | | | | |
13957 | overlay | <-' | | |
13958 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
13959 | | <---. | | load address
13960 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
13961 | | | |
13962 +-----------+ | |
13963 +-----------+
13964 | |
13965 +-----------+
13966
13967 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
13968 @end group
13969 @end smallexample
13970
13971 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
13972 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
13973 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
13974 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
13975 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
13976 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
13977 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
13978 program and the overlay area.
13979
13980 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
13981 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
13982 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
13983 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
13984 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
13985 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
13986 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
13987
13988 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
13989 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
13990 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
13991
13992 @itemize @bullet
13993
13994 @item
13995 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
13996 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
13997 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
13998 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
13999
14000 @item
14001 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
14002 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
14003 your program's performance.
14004
14005 @item
14006 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
14007 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
14008 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
14009 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
14010 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
14011 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
14012 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
14013
14014 @item
14015 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
14016 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
14017 instruction and data spaces.
14018
14019 @end itemize
14020
14021 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
14022 improved in many ways:
14023
14024 @itemize @bullet
14025
14026 @item
14027 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
14028 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
14029 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
14030 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
14031 area in the usual way.
14032
14033 @item
14034 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
14035 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
14036
14037 @item
14038 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
14039 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
14040 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
14041 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
14042 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
14043 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
14044 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
14045
14046 @end itemize
14047
14048
14049 @node Overlay Commands
14050 @section Overlay Commands
14051
14052 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
14053 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
14054 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
14055 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
14056 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
14057 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
14058
14059 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
14060 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
14061
14062 @table @code
14063 @item overlay off
14064 @kindex overlay
14065 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
14066 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
14067 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
14068 overlay support is disabled.
14069
14070 @item overlay manual
14071 @cindex manual overlay debugging
14072 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
14073 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
14074 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
14075 commands described below.
14076
14077 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
14078 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
14079 @cindex map an overlay
14080 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
14081 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
14082 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
14083 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
14084 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
14085 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
14086
14087 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
14088 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
14089 @cindex unmap an overlay
14090 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
14091 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
14092 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
14093 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
14094
14095 @item overlay auto
14096 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
14097 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
14098 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
14099 Overlay Debugging}.
14100
14101 @item overlay load-target
14102 @itemx overlay load
14103 @cindex reloading the overlay table
14104 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
14105 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
14106 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
14107 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
14108 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
14109
14110 @item overlay list-overlays
14111 @itemx overlay list
14112 @cindex listing mapped overlays
14113 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
14114 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
14115
14116 @end table
14117
14118 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
14119 of the function the address falls in:
14120
14121 @smallexample
14122 (@value{GDBP}) print main
14123 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
14124 @end smallexample
14125 @noindent
14126 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
14127 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
14128 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
14129 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
14130
14131 @smallexample
14132 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
14133 No sections are mapped.
14134 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
14135 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
14136 @end smallexample
14137 @noindent
14138 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
14139 name normally:
14140
14141 @smallexample
14142 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
14143 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
14144 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
14145 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
14146 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
14147 @end smallexample
14148
14149 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
14150 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
14151 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
14152 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
14153 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
14154
14155 @itemize @bullet
14156 @item
14157 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
14158 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
14159 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
14160 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
14161 @item
14162 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
14163 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
14164 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
14165 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
14166 breakpoints properly.
14167 @end itemize
14168
14169
14170 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
14171 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
14172 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
14173
14174 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
14175 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
14176 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
14177 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
14178 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
14179 current state of the overlays.
14180
14181 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
14182 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
14183
14184 @table @asis
14185
14186 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
14187 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
14188
14189 @smallexample
14190 struct
14191 @{
14192 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
14193 unsigned long vma;
14194
14195 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
14196 unsigned long size;
14197
14198 /* The overlay's load address. */
14199 unsigned long lma;
14200
14201 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
14202 zero otherwise. */
14203 unsigned long mapped;
14204 @}
14205 @end smallexample
14206
14207 @item @code{_novlys}:
14208 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
14209 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
14210
14211 @end table
14212
14213 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
14214 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
14215 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
14216 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
14217 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
14218 currently mapped.
14219
14220 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
14221 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
14222 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
14223 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
14224 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
14225 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
14226 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
14227 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
14228 are not being executed.
14229
14230 @node Overlay Sample Program
14231 @section Overlay Sample Program
14232 @cindex overlay example program
14233
14234 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
14235 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
14236 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
14237 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
14238 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
14239 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
14240 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
14241
14242 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
14243 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
14244 suite. The program consists of the following files from
14245 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
14246
14247 @table @file
14248 @item overlays.c
14249 The main program file.
14250 @item ovlymgr.c
14251 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
14252 @item foo.c
14253 @itemx bar.c
14254 @itemx baz.c
14255 @itemx grbx.c
14256 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
14257 @item d10v.ld
14258 @itemx m32r.ld
14259 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
14260 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
14261 @end table
14262
14263 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
14264 cross-compiler like this:
14265
14266 @smallexample
14267 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
14268 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
14269 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
14270 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
14271 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
14272 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
14273 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
14274 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
14275 @end smallexample
14276
14277 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
14278 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
14279 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
14280
14281
14282 @node Languages
14283 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
14284 @cindex languages
14285
14286 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
14287 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
14288 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
14289 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
14290 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
14291 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
14292
14293 @cindex working language
14294 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
14295 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
14296 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
14297 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
14298 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
14299 language}.
14300
14301 @menu
14302 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
14303 * Show:: Displaying the language
14304 * Checks:: Type and range checks
14305 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
14306 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
14307 @end menu
14308
14309 @node Setting
14310 @section Switching Between Source Languages
14311
14312 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
14313 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
14314 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
14315 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
14316 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
14317 are printed, etc.
14318
14319 In addition to the working language, every source file that
14320 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
14321 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
14322 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
14323 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
14324 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
14325 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
14326 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
14327 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
14328 Displaying the Language}.
14329
14330 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
14331 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
14332 another language. In that case, make the
14333 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
14334 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
14335 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
14336
14337 @menu
14338 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
14339 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
14340 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
14341 @end menu
14342
14343 @node Filenames
14344 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
14345
14346 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
14347 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
14348
14349 @table @file
14350 @item .ada
14351 @itemx .ads
14352 @itemx .adb
14353 @itemx .a
14354 Ada source file.
14355
14356 @item .c
14357 C source file
14358
14359 @item .C
14360 @itemx .cc
14361 @itemx .cp
14362 @itemx .cpp
14363 @itemx .cxx
14364 @itemx .c++
14365 C@t{++} source file
14366
14367 @item .d
14368 D source file
14369
14370 @item .m
14371 Objective-C source file
14372
14373 @item .f
14374 @itemx .F
14375 Fortran source file
14376
14377 @item .mod
14378 Modula-2 source file
14379
14380 @item .s
14381 @itemx .S
14382 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
14383 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
14384 @end table
14385
14386 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
14387 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
14388
14389 @node Manually
14390 @subsection Setting the Working Language
14391
14392 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
14393 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
14394 your program.
14395
14396 @kindex set language
14397 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
14398 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
14399 a language, such as
14400 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
14401 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
14402
14403 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
14404 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
14405 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
14406 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
14407 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
14408 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
14409 command such as:
14410
14411 @smallexample
14412 print a = b + c
14413 @end smallexample
14414
14415 @noindent
14416 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
14417 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
14418 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
14419 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
14420
14421 @node Automatically
14422 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
14423
14424 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
14425 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
14426 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
14427 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
14428 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
14429 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
14430 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
14431 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
14432 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
14433
14434 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
14435 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
14436 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
14437 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
14438 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
14439
14440 @node Show
14441 @section Displaying the Language
14442
14443 The following commands help you find out which language is the
14444 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
14445
14446 @table @code
14447 @item show language
14448 @anchor{show language}
14449 @kindex show language
14450 Display the current working language. This is the
14451 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
14452 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
14453
14454 @item info frame
14455 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
14456 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
14457 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
14458 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
14459 information listed here.
14460
14461 @item info source
14462 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
14463 Display the source language of this source file.
14464 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
14465 information listed here.
14466 @end table
14467
14468 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
14469 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
14470 with a language explicitly:
14471
14472 @table @code
14473 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
14474 @kindex set extension-language
14475 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
14476 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
14477
14478 @item info extensions
14479 @kindex info extensions
14480 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
14481 @end table
14482
14483 @node Checks
14484 @section Type and Range Checking
14485
14486 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
14487 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
14488 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators and making
14489 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
14490 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
14491 by eliminating type mismatches and providing active checks for range
14492 errors when your program is running.
14493
14494 By default @value{GDBN} checks for these errors according to the
14495 rules of the current source language. Although @value{GDBN} does not check
14496 the statements in your program, it can check expressions entered directly
14497 into @value{GDBN} for evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example.
14498
14499 @menu
14500 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
14501 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
14502 @end menu
14503
14504 @cindex type checking
14505 @cindex checks, type
14506 @node Type Checking
14507 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
14508
14509 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, are strongly typed, meaning that the
14510 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
14511 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
14512 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
14513
14514 @smallexample
14515 int klass::my_method(char *b) @{ return b ? 1 : 2; @}
14516
14517 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0)
14518 $1 = 2
14519 @exdent but
14520 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0x1234)
14521 Cannot resolve method klass::my_method to any overloaded instance
14522 @end smallexample
14523
14524 The second example fails because in C@t{++} the integer constant
14525 @samp{0x1234} is not type-compatible with the pointer parameter type.
14526
14527 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
14528 @value{GDBN} to not enforce strict type checking or
14529 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
14530 When type checking is disabled, @value{GDBN} successfully evaluates
14531 expressions like the second example above.
14532
14533 Even if type checking is off, there may be other reasons
14534 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
14535 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
14536 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
14537 with the language in use and usually arise from expressions which make
14538 little sense to evaluate anyway.
14539
14540 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling type checking:
14541
14542 @kindex set check type
14543 @kindex show check type
14544 @table @code
14545 @item set check type on
14546 @itemx set check type off
14547 Set strict type checking on or off. If any type mismatches occur in
14548 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
14549 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
14550
14551 @item show check type
14552 Show the current setting of type checking and whether @value{GDBN}
14553 is enforcing strict type checking rules.
14554 @end table
14555
14556 @cindex range checking
14557 @cindex checks, range
14558 @node Range Checking
14559 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
14560
14561 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
14562 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
14563 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
14564 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
14565 not exceed the bounds of the array.
14566
14567 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
14568 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
14569 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
14570 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
14571
14572 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
14573 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
14574 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
14575 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
14576 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
14577 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
14578
14579 @smallexample
14580 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
14581 @end smallexample
14582
14583 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
14584 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
14585 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
14586
14587 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
14588
14589 @kindex set check range
14590 @kindex show check range
14591 @table @code
14592 @item set check range auto
14593 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
14594 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
14595 each language.
14596
14597 @item set check range on
14598 @itemx set check range off
14599 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
14600 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
14601 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
14602 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
14603
14604 @item set check range warn
14605 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
14606 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
14607 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
14608 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
14609 systems).
14610
14611 @item show range
14612 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
14613 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
14614 @end table
14615
14616 @node Supported Languages
14617 @section Supported Languages
14618
14619 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, D, Go, Objective-C, Fortran,
14620 OpenCL C, Pascal, Rust, assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
14621 @c This is false ...
14622 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
14623 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
14624 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
14625 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
14626 language.
14627
14628 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
14629 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
14630 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
14631 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
14632 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
14633 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
14634 language reference or tutorial.
14635
14636 @menu
14637 * C:: C and C@t{++}
14638 * D:: D
14639 * Go:: Go
14640 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
14641 * OpenCL C:: OpenCL C
14642 * Fortran:: Fortran
14643 * Pascal:: Pascal
14644 * Rust:: Rust
14645 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
14646 * Ada:: Ada
14647 @end menu
14648
14649 @node C
14650 @subsection C and C@t{++}
14651
14652 @cindex C and C@t{++}
14653 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
14654
14655 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
14656 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
14657 together.
14658
14659 @cindex C@t{++}
14660 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
14661 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
14662 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
14663 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
14664 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
14665 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
14666 compiler (@code{aCC}).
14667
14668 @menu
14669 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
14670 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
14671 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
14672 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
14673 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
14674 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
14675 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
14676 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
14677 @end menu
14678
14679 @node C Operators
14680 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
14681
14682 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
14683
14684 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
14685 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
14686 often defined on groups of types.
14687
14688 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
14689
14690 @itemize @bullet
14691
14692 @item
14693 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
14694 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
14695
14696 @item
14697 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
14698 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
14699
14700 @item
14701 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
14702
14703 @item
14704 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
14705
14706 @end itemize
14707
14708 @noindent
14709 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
14710 in order of increasing precedence:
14711
14712 @table @code
14713 @item ,
14714 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
14715 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
14716 expression being the last expression evaluated.
14717
14718 @item =
14719 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
14720 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
14721
14722 @item @var{op}=
14723 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
14724 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
14725 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence. The operator
14726 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
14727 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
14728
14729 @item ?:
14730 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
14731 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. The argument @var{a}
14732 should be of an integral type.
14733
14734 @item ||
14735 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
14736
14737 @item &&
14738 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
14739
14740 @item |
14741 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
14742
14743 @item ^
14744 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
14745
14746 @item &
14747 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
14748
14749 @item ==@r{, }!=
14750 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
14751 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
14752
14753 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
14754 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
14755 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
14756 and non-zero for true.
14757
14758 @item <<@r{, }>>
14759 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
14760
14761 @item @@
14762 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
14763
14764 @item +@r{, }-
14765 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
14766 pointer types.
14767
14768 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
14769 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
14770 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
14771 integral types.
14772
14773 @item ++@r{, }--
14774 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
14775 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
14776 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
14777 operation takes place.
14778
14779 @item *
14780 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
14781 @code{++}.
14782
14783 @item &
14784 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
14785
14786 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
14787 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
14788 to examine the address
14789 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
14790 stored.
14791
14792 @item -
14793 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
14794 precedence as @code{++}.
14795
14796 @item !
14797 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
14798 @code{++}.
14799
14800 @item ~
14801 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
14802 @code{++}.
14803
14804
14805 @item .@r{, }->
14806 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
14807 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
14808 pointer based on the stored type information.
14809 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
14810
14811 @item .*@r{, }->*
14812 Dereferences of pointers to members.
14813
14814 @item []
14815 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
14816 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
14817
14818 @item ()
14819 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
14820
14821 @item ::
14822 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
14823 and @code{class} types.
14824
14825 @item ::
14826 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
14827 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
14828 above.
14829 @end table
14830
14831 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
14832 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
14833 predefined meaning.
14834
14835 @node C Constants
14836 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
14837
14838 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
14839
14840 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
14841 following ways:
14842
14843 @itemize @bullet
14844 @item
14845 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
14846 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
14847 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
14848 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
14849 @code{long} value.
14850
14851 @item
14852 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
14853 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
14854 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
14855 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
14856 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
14857 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
14858 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
14859 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
14860 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
14861 constant.
14862
14863 @item
14864 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
14865 integral equivalents.
14866
14867 @item
14868 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
14869 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
14870 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
14871 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
14872 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
14873 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
14874 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
14875 @samp{\n} for newline.
14876
14877 Wide character constants can be written by prefixing a character
14878 constant with @samp{L}, as in C. For example, @samp{L'x'} is the wide
14879 form of @samp{x}. The target wide character set is used when
14880 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
14881
14882 @item
14883 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
14884 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
14885 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
14886 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
14887 characters.
14888
14889 Wide string constants can be written by prefixing a string constant
14890 with @samp{L}, as in C. The target wide character set is used when
14891 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
14892
14893 @item
14894 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
14895 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
14896
14897 @item
14898 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
14899 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
14900 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
14901 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
14902 @end itemize
14903
14904 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
14905 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
14906
14907 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
14908 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
14909
14910 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
14911 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
14912 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
14913 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
14914 @quotation
14915 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use
14916 the proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently,
14917 @value{GDBN} works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled
14918 with the most recent version of @value{NGCC} possible. The DWARF
14919 debugging format is preferred; @value{NGCC} defaults to this on most
14920 popular platforms. Other compilers and/or debug formats are likely to
14921 work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug C@t{++}
14922 code. @xref{Compilation}.
14923 @end quotation
14924
14925 @enumerate
14926
14927 @cindex member functions
14928 @item
14929 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
14930
14931 @smallexample
14932 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
14933 @end smallexample
14934
14935 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
14936 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
14937 @item
14938 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
14939 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
14940 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
14941 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}. @code{using}
14942 declarations in the current scope are also respected by @value{GDBN}.
14943
14944 @cindex call overloaded functions
14945 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
14946 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
14947 @item
14948 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
14949 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
14950 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
14951 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
14952 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
14953 default arguments.
14954
14955 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
14956 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
14957 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
14958 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
14959 number of function arguments.
14960
14961 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
14962 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
14963 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
14964
14965 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
14966 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
14967 @smallexample
14968 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
14969 @end smallexample
14970
14971 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
14972 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
14973
14974 @cindex reference declarations
14975 @item
14976 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} lvalue or rvalue
14977 references; you can use them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++}
14978 source---they are automatically dereferenced.
14979
14980 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
14981 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
14982 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
14983 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
14984 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
14985
14986 @item
14987 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
14988 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
14989 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
14990 necessary, for example in an expression like
14991 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
14992 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
14993 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
14994
14995 @item
14996 @value{GDBN} performs argument-dependent lookup, following the C@t{++}
14997 specification.
14998 @end enumerate
14999
15000 @node C Defaults
15001 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
15002
15003 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
15004
15005 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set range checking automatically, it
15006 defaults to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
15007 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
15008 selects the working language.
15009
15010 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
15011 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
15012 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
15013 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
15014 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
15015 for further details.
15016
15017 @node C Checks
15018 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
15019
15020 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
15021
15022 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, strict type
15023 checking is used. However, if you turn type checking off, @value{GDBN}
15024 will allow certain non-standard conversions, such as promoting integer
15025 constants to pointers.
15026
15027 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
15028 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
15029 that is not itself an array.
15030
15031 @node Debugging C
15032 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
15033
15034 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
15035 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
15036 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
15037 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
15038
15039 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
15040 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
15041 ,Expressions}.
15042
15043 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
15044 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
15045
15046 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
15047
15048 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
15049 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
15050
15051 @table @code
15052 @cindex break in overloaded functions
15053 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
15054 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
15055 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
15056 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
15057 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
15058
15059 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
15060 @item rbreak @var{regex}
15061 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
15062 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
15063 classes.
15064 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
15065
15066 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
15067 @item catch throw
15068 @itemx catch rethrow
15069 @itemx catch catch
15070 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
15071 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
15072
15073 @cindex inheritance
15074 @item ptype @var{typename}
15075 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
15076 @var{typename}.
15077 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
15078
15079 @item info vtbl @var{expression}.
15080 The @code{info vtbl} command can be used to display the virtual
15081 method tables of the object computed by @var{expression}. This shows
15082 one entry per virtual table; there may be multiple virtual tables when
15083 multiple inheritance is in use.
15084
15085 @cindex C@t{++} demangling
15086 @item demangle @var{name}
15087 Demangle @var{name}.
15088 @xref{Symbols}, for a more complete description of the @code{demangle} command.
15089
15090 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
15091 @item set print demangle
15092 @itemx show print demangle
15093 @itemx set print asm-demangle
15094 @itemx show print asm-demangle
15095 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
15096 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
15097 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
15098
15099 @item set print object
15100 @itemx show print object
15101 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
15102 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
15103
15104 @item set print vtbl
15105 @itemx show print vtbl
15106 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
15107 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
15108 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
15109 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
15110
15111 @kindex set overload-resolution
15112 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
15113 @item set overload-resolution on
15114 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
15115 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
15116 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
15117 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
15118 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
15119 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
15120
15121 @item set overload-resolution off
15122 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
15123 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
15124 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
15125 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
15126 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
15127 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
15128 argument types.
15129
15130 @kindex show overload-resolution
15131 @item show overload-resolution
15132 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
15133
15134 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
15135 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
15136 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
15137 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
15138 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
15139 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
15140 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
15141
15142 @item @r{Breakpoints in functions with ABI tags}
15143
15144 The GNU C@t{++} compiler introduced the notion of ABI ``tags'', which
15145 correspond to changes in the ABI of a type, function, or variable that
15146 would not otherwise be reflected in a mangled name. See
15147 @url{https://developers.redhat.com/blog/2015/02/05/gcc5-and-the-c11-abi/}
15148 for more detail.
15149
15150 The ABI tags are visible in C@t{++} demangled names. For example, a
15151 function that returns a std::string:
15152
15153 @smallexample
15154 std::string function(int);
15155 @end smallexample
15156
15157 @noindent
15158 when compiled for the C++11 ABI is marked with the @code{cxx11} ABI
15159 tag, and @value{GDBN} displays the symbol like this:
15160
15161 @smallexample
15162 function[abi:cxx11](int)
15163 @end smallexample
15164
15165 You can set a breakpoint on such functions simply as if they had no
15166 tag. For example:
15167
15168 @smallexample
15169 (gdb) b function(int)
15170 Breakpoint 2 at 0x40060d: file main.cc, line 10.
15171 (gdb) info breakpoints
15172 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
15173 1 breakpoint keep y 0x0040060d in function[abi:cxx11](int)
15174 at main.cc:10
15175 @end smallexample
15176
15177 On the rare occasion you need to disambiguate between different ABI
15178 tags, you can do so by simply including the ABI tag in the function
15179 name, like:
15180
15181 @smallexample
15182 (@value{GDBP}) b ambiguous[abi:other_tag](int)
15183 @end smallexample
15184 @end table
15185
15186 @node Decimal Floating Point
15187 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
15188 @cindex decimal floating point format
15189
15190 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
15191 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
15192 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
15193 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
15194
15195 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
15196 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
15197 PowerPC and S/390. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the
15198 configured target.
15199
15200 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
15201 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
15202 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
15203
15204 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
15205 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
15206 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
15207
15208 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
15209 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers.
15210 See @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
15211
15212 @node D
15213 @subsection D
15214
15215 @cindex D
15216 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in D and compiled with
15217 GDC, LDC or DMD compilers. Currently @value{GDBN} supports only one D
15218 specific feature --- dynamic arrays.
15219
15220 @node Go
15221 @subsection Go
15222
15223 @cindex Go (programming language)
15224 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Go and compiled with
15225 @file{gccgo} or @file{6g} compilers.
15226
15227 Here is a summary of the Go-specific features and restrictions:
15228
15229 @table @code
15230 @cindex current Go package
15231 @item The current Go package
15232 The name of the current package does not need to be specified when
15233 specifying global variables and functions.
15234
15235 For example, given the program:
15236
15237 @example
15238 package main
15239 var myglob = "Shall we?"
15240 func main () @{
15241 // ...
15242 @}
15243 @end example
15244
15245 When stopped inside @code{main} either of these work:
15246
15247 @example
15248 (gdb) p myglob
15249 (gdb) p main.myglob
15250 @end example
15251
15252 @cindex builtin Go types
15253 @item Builtin Go types
15254 The @code{string} type is recognized by @value{GDBN} and is printed
15255 as a string.
15256
15257 @cindex builtin Go functions
15258 @item Builtin Go functions
15259 The @value{GDBN} expression parser recognizes the @code{unsafe.Sizeof}
15260 function and handles it internally.
15261
15262 @cindex restrictions on Go expressions
15263 @item Restrictions on Go expressions
15264 All Go operators are supported except @code{&^}.
15265 The Go @code{_} ``blank identifier'' is not supported.
15266 Automatic dereferencing of pointers is not supported.
15267 @end table
15268
15269 @node Objective-C
15270 @subsection Objective-C
15271
15272 @cindex Objective-C
15273 This section provides information about some commands and command
15274 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
15275 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
15276 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
15277
15278 @menu
15279 * Method Names in Commands::
15280 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
15281 @end menu
15282
15283 @node Method Names in Commands
15284 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
15285
15286 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
15287 names as line specifications:
15288
15289 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
15290 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
15291 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
15292 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
15293 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
15294 @itemize
15295 @item @code{clear}
15296 @item @code{break}
15297 @item @code{info line}
15298 @item @code{jump}
15299 @item @code{list}
15300 @end itemize
15301
15302 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
15303
15304 @smallexample
15305 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
15306 @end smallexample
15307
15308 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
15309 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
15310 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
15311 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
15312 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
15313 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
15314 debugged, enter:
15315
15316 @smallexample
15317 break -[Fruit create]
15318 @end smallexample
15319
15320 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
15321 enter:
15322
15323 @smallexample
15324 list +[NSText initialize]
15325 @end smallexample
15326
15327 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
15328 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
15329 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
15330 is also possible to specify just a method name:
15331
15332 @smallexample
15333 break create
15334 @end smallexample
15335
15336 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
15337 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
15338 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
15339 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
15340 none apply.
15341
15342 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
15343 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
15344
15345 @smallexample
15346 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
15347 @end smallexample
15348
15349 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
15350 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
15351 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
15352 @kindex print-object
15353 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
15354
15355 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
15356
15357 @smallexample
15358 print -[@var{object} hash]
15359 @end smallexample
15360
15361 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
15362 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
15363 @noindent
15364 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
15365 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
15366 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
15367 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
15368 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
15369 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
15370
15371 @node OpenCL C
15372 @subsection OpenCL C
15373
15374 @cindex OpenCL C
15375 This section provides information about @value{GDBN}s OpenCL C support.
15376
15377 @menu
15378 * OpenCL C Datatypes::
15379 * OpenCL C Expressions::
15380 * OpenCL C Operators::
15381 @end menu
15382
15383 @node OpenCL C Datatypes
15384 @subsubsection OpenCL C Datatypes
15385
15386 @cindex OpenCL C Datatypes
15387 @value{GDBN} supports the builtin scalar and vector datatypes specified
15388 by OpenCL 1.1. In addition the half- and double-precision floating point
15389 data types of the @code{cl_khr_fp16} and @code{cl_khr_fp64} OpenCL
15390 extensions are also known to @value{GDBN}.
15391
15392 @node OpenCL C Expressions
15393 @subsubsection OpenCL C Expressions
15394
15395 @cindex OpenCL C Expressions
15396 @value{GDBN} supports accesses to vector components including the access as
15397 lvalue where possible. Since OpenCL C is based on C99 most C expressions
15398 supported by @value{GDBN} can be used as well.
15399
15400 @node OpenCL C Operators
15401 @subsubsection OpenCL C Operators
15402
15403 @cindex OpenCL C Operators
15404 @value{GDBN} supports the operators specified by OpenCL 1.1 for scalar and
15405 vector data types.
15406
15407 @node Fortran
15408 @subsection Fortran
15409 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
15410
15411 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
15412 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
15413
15414 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
15415 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
15416 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
15417 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
15418 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
15419 underscore.
15420
15421 @menu
15422 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
15423 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
15424 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
15425 @end menu
15426
15427 @node Fortran Operators
15428 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
15429
15430 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
15431
15432 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
15433 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
15434 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
15435
15436 @table @code
15437 @item **
15438 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
15439 of the second one.
15440
15441 @item :
15442 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
15443 represent a section of array.
15444
15445 @item %
15446 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
15447 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
15448 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
15449 union type.
15450 @end table
15451
15452 @node Fortran Defaults
15453 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
15454
15455 @cindex Fortran Defaults
15456
15457 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
15458 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
15459 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
15460 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
15461
15462 @node Special Fortran Commands
15463 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
15464
15465 @cindex Special Fortran commands
15466
15467 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
15468 such as displaying common blocks.
15469
15470 @table @code
15471 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
15472 @kindex info common
15473 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
15474 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
15475 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
15476 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
15477 printed.
15478 @end table
15479
15480 @node Pascal
15481 @subsection Pascal
15482
15483 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
15484 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
15485 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
15486 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
15487 syntax.
15488
15489 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
15490 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
15491 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
15492
15493 @node Rust
15494 @subsection Rust
15495
15496 @value{GDBN} supports the @url{https://www.rust-lang.org/, Rust
15497 Programming Language}. Type- and value-printing, and expression
15498 parsing, are reasonably complete. However, there are a few
15499 peculiarities and holes to be aware of.
15500
15501 @itemize @bullet
15502 @item
15503 Linespecs (@pxref{Specify Location}) are never relative to the current
15504 crate. Instead, they act as if there were a global namespace of
15505 crates, somewhat similar to the way @code{extern crate} behaves.
15506
15507 That is, if @value{GDBN} is stopped at a breakpoint in a function in
15508 crate @samp{A}, module @samp{B}, then @code{break B::f} will attempt
15509 to set a breakpoint in a function named @samp{f} in a crate named
15510 @samp{B}.
15511
15512 As a consequence of this approach, linespecs also cannot refer to
15513 items using @samp{self::} or @samp{super::}.
15514
15515 @item
15516 Because @value{GDBN} implements Rust name-lookup semantics in
15517 expressions, it will sometimes prepend the current crate to a name.
15518 For example, if @value{GDBN} is stopped at a breakpoint in the crate
15519 @samp{K}, then @code{print ::x::y} will try to find the symbol
15520 @samp{K::x::y}.
15521
15522 However, since it is useful to be able to refer to other crates when
15523 debugging, @value{GDBN} provides the @code{extern} extension to
15524 circumvent this. To use the extension, just put @code{extern} before
15525 a path expression to refer to the otherwise unavailable ``global''
15526 scope.
15527
15528 In the above example, if you wanted to refer to the symbol @samp{y} in
15529 the crate @samp{x}, you would use @code{print extern x::y}.
15530
15531 @item
15532 The Rust expression evaluator does not support ``statement-like''
15533 expressions such as @code{if} or @code{match}, or lambda expressions.
15534
15535 @item
15536 Tuple expressions are not implemented.
15537
15538 @item
15539 The Rust expression evaluator does not currently implement the
15540 @code{Drop} trait. Objects that may be created by the evaluator will
15541 never be destroyed.
15542
15543 @item
15544 @value{GDBN} does not implement type inference for generics. In order
15545 to call generic functions or otherwise refer to generic items, you
15546 will have to specify the type parameters manually.
15547
15548 @item
15549 @value{GDBN} currently uses the C@t{++} demangler for Rust. In most
15550 cases this does not cause any problems. However, in an expression
15551 context, completing a generic function name will give syntactically
15552 invalid results. This happens because Rust requires the @samp{::}
15553 operator between the function name and its generic arguments. For
15554 example, @value{GDBN} might provide a completion like
15555 @code{crate::f<u32>}, where the parser would require
15556 @code{crate::f::<u32>}.
15557
15558 @item
15559 As of this writing, the Rust compiler (version 1.8) has a few holes in
15560 the debugging information it generates. These holes prevent certain
15561 features from being implemented by @value{GDBN}:
15562 @itemize @bullet
15563
15564 @item
15565 Method calls cannot be made via traits.
15566
15567 @item
15568 Operator overloading is not implemented.
15569
15570 @item
15571 When debugging in a monomorphized function, you cannot use the generic
15572 type names.
15573
15574 @item
15575 The type @code{Self} is not available.
15576
15577 @item
15578 @code{use} statements are not available, so some names may not be
15579 available in the crate.
15580 @end itemize
15581 @end itemize
15582
15583 @node Modula-2
15584 @subsection Modula-2
15585
15586 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
15587
15588 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
15589 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
15590 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
15591 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
15592 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
15593 table.
15594
15595 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
15596 @menu
15597 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
15598 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
15599 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
15600 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
15601 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
15602 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
15603 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
15604 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
15605 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
15606 @end menu
15607
15608 @node M2 Operators
15609 @subsubsection Operators
15610 @cindex Modula-2 operators
15611
15612 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
15613 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
15614 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
15615 following definitions hold:
15616
15617 @itemize @bullet
15618
15619 @item
15620 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
15621 their subranges.
15622
15623 @item
15624 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
15625
15626 @item
15627 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
15628
15629 @item
15630 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
15631 @var{type}}.
15632
15633 @item
15634 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
15635
15636 @item
15637 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
15638
15639 @item
15640 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
15641 @end itemize
15642
15643 @noindent
15644 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
15645 increasing precedence:
15646
15647 @table @code
15648 @item ,
15649 Function argument or array index separator.
15650
15651 @item :=
15652 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
15653 @var{value}.
15654
15655 @item <@r{, }>
15656 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
15657 types.
15658
15659 @item <=@r{, }>=
15660 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
15661 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
15662 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
15663
15664 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
15665 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
15666 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
15667 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
15668 comment character.
15669
15670 @item IN
15671 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
15672 Same precedence as @code{<}.
15673
15674 @item OR
15675 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
15676
15677 @item AND@r{, }&
15678 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
15679
15680 @item @@
15681 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
15682
15683 @item +@r{, }-
15684 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
15685 and difference on set types.
15686
15687 @item *
15688 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
15689 on set types.
15690
15691 @item /
15692 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
15693 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
15694
15695 @item DIV@r{, }MOD
15696 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
15697 precedence as @code{*}.
15698
15699 @item -
15700 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
15701
15702 @item ^
15703 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
15704
15705 @item NOT
15706 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
15707 @code{^}.
15708
15709 @item .
15710 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
15711 precedence as @code{^}.
15712
15713 @item []
15714 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
15715
15716 @item ()
15717 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
15718 as @code{^}.
15719
15720 @item ::@r{, }.
15721 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
15722 @end table
15723
15724 @quotation
15725 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
15726 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
15727 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
15728 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
15729 @end quotation
15730
15731
15732 @node Built-In Func/Proc
15733 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
15734 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
15735
15736 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
15737 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
15738
15739 @table @var
15740
15741 @item a
15742 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
15743
15744 @item c
15745 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
15746
15747 @item i
15748 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
15749
15750 @item m
15751 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
15752 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
15753 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
15754
15755 @item n
15756 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
15757
15758 @item r
15759 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
15760
15761 @item t
15762 represents a type.
15763
15764 @item v
15765 represents a variable.
15766
15767 @item x
15768 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
15769 explanation of the function for details.
15770 @end table
15771
15772 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
15773
15774 @table @code
15775 @item ABS(@var{n})
15776 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
15777
15778 @item CAP(@var{c})
15779 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
15780 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
15781
15782 @item CHR(@var{i})
15783 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
15784
15785 @item DEC(@var{v})
15786 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
15787
15788 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
15789 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
15790 new value.
15791
15792 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
15793 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
15794 set.
15795
15796 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
15797 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
15798
15799 @item HIGH(@var{a})
15800 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
15801
15802 @item INC(@var{v})
15803 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
15804
15805 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
15806 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
15807 new value.
15808
15809 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
15810 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
15811 there. Returns the new set.
15812
15813 @item MAX(@var{t})
15814 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
15815
15816 @item MIN(@var{t})
15817 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
15818
15819 @item ODD(@var{i})
15820 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
15821
15822 @item ORD(@var{x})
15823 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
15824 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting
15825 the @sc{ascii} character set). The argument @var{x} must be of an
15826 ordered type, which include integral, character and enumerated types.
15827
15828 @item SIZE(@var{x})
15829 Returns the size of its argument. The argument @var{x} can be a
15830 variable or a type.
15831
15832 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
15833 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
15834
15835 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
15836 Returns the size of its argument. The argument @var{x} can be a
15837 variable or a type.
15838
15839 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
15840 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
15841 @end table
15842
15843 @quotation
15844 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
15845 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
15846 an error.
15847 @end quotation
15848
15849 @cindex Modula-2 constants
15850 @node M2 Constants
15851 @subsubsection Constants
15852
15853 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
15854 ways:
15855
15856 @itemize @bullet
15857
15858 @item
15859 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
15860 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
15861 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
15862 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
15863
15864 @item
15865 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
15866 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
15867 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
15868 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
15869 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
15870 digits.
15871
15872 @item
15873 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
15874 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
15875 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
15876 followed by a @samp{C}.
15877
15878 @item
15879 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
15880 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
15881 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
15882 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
15883 sequences.
15884
15885 @item
15886 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
15887
15888 @item
15889 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
15890 @code{FALSE}.
15891
15892 @item
15893 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
15894
15895 @item
15896 Set constants are not yet supported.
15897 @end itemize
15898
15899 @node M2 Types
15900 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
15901 @cindex Modula-2 types
15902
15903 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
15904 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
15905 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
15906 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
15907 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
15908 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
15909
15910 The first example contains the following section of code:
15911
15912 @smallexample
15913 VAR
15914 s: SET OF CHAR ;
15915 r: [20..40] ;
15916 @end smallexample
15917
15918 @noindent
15919 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
15920 @code{r} and @code{s}.
15921
15922 @smallexample
15923 (@value{GDBP}) print s
15924 @{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
15925 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15926 SET OF CHAR
15927 (@value{GDBP}) print r
15928 21
15929 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
15930 [20..40]
15931 @end smallexample
15932
15933 @noindent
15934 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
15935
15936 @smallexample
15937 VAR
15938 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
15939 @end smallexample
15940
15941 @noindent
15942 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
15943
15944 @smallexample
15945 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15946 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
15947 @end smallexample
15948
15949 @noindent
15950 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
15951 expressions using the debugger.
15952
15953 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
15954 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
15955
15956 @smallexample
15957 VAR
15958 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
15959 @end smallexample
15960
15961 @smallexample
15962 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15963 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
15964 @end smallexample
15965
15966 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
15967 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
15968 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
15969 above.
15970
15971 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
15972
15973 @smallexample
15974 TYPE
15975 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
15976 t = [blue..yellow] ;
15977 VAR
15978 s: t ;
15979 BEGIN
15980 s := blue ;
15981 @end smallexample
15982
15983 @noindent
15984 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
15985 and value of a variable.
15986
15987 @smallexample
15988 (@value{GDBP}) print s
15989 $1 = blue
15990 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
15991 type = [blue..yellow]
15992 @end smallexample
15993
15994 @noindent
15995 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
15996 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
15997 their @code{C} counterparts.
15998
15999 @smallexample
16000 VAR
16001 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
16002 BEGIN
16003 s[1] := 1 ;
16004 @end smallexample
16005
16006 @smallexample
16007 (@value{GDBP}) print s
16008 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
16009 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
16010 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
16011 @end smallexample
16012
16013 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
16014 pointer types as shown in this example:
16015
16016 @smallexample
16017 VAR
16018 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
16019 BEGIN
16020 NEW(s) ;
16021 s^[1] := 1 ;
16022 @end smallexample
16023
16024 @noindent
16025 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
16026
16027 @smallexample
16028 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
16029 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
16030 @end smallexample
16031
16032 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
16033 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
16034 types:
16035
16036 @smallexample
16037 TYPE
16038 foo = RECORD
16039 f1: CARDINAL ;
16040 f2: CHAR ;
16041 f3: myarray ;
16042 END ;
16043
16044 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
16045 myrange = [-2..2] ;
16046 VAR
16047 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
16048 @end smallexample
16049
16050 @noindent
16051 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
16052 below.
16053
16054 @smallexample
16055 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
16056 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
16057 f1 : CARDINAL;
16058 f2 : CHAR;
16059 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
16060 END
16061 @end smallexample
16062
16063 @node M2 Defaults
16064 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
16065 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
16066
16067 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
16068 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
16069 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
16070 selected the working language.
16071
16072 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
16073 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
16074 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
16075 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
16076
16077 @node Deviations
16078 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
16079 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
16080
16081 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
16082 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
16083
16084 @itemize @bullet
16085 @item
16086 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
16087 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
16088 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
16089 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
16090 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
16091 returned a pointer.)
16092
16093 @item
16094 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
16095 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
16096 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
16097 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
16098
16099 @item
16100 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
16101 argument.
16102
16103 @item
16104 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
16105 @end itemize
16106
16107 @node M2 Checks
16108 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
16109 @cindex Modula-2 checks
16110
16111 @quotation
16112 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
16113 range checking.
16114 @end quotation
16115 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
16116
16117 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
16118
16119 @itemize @bullet
16120 @item
16121 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
16122 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
16123
16124 @item
16125 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
16126 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
16127 @end itemize
16128
16129 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
16130 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
16131
16132 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
16133 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
16134
16135 @node M2 Scope
16136 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
16137 @cindex scope
16138 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
16139 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
16140 @ifinfo
16141 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
16142 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
16143 @end ifinfo
16144 @ifnotinfo
16145 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
16146 @end ifnotinfo
16147
16148 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
16149 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
16150 similar syntax:
16151
16152 @smallexample
16153
16154 @var{module} . @var{id}
16155 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
16156 @end smallexample
16157
16158 @noindent
16159 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
16160 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
16161 identifier within your program, except another module.
16162
16163 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
16164 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
16165 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
16166 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
16167
16168 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
16169 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
16170 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
16171 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
16172 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
16173 @var{module}.
16174
16175 @node GDB/M2
16176 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
16177
16178 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
16179 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
16180 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
16181 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
16182 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
16183 analogue in Modula-2.
16184
16185 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
16186 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
16187 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
16188 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
16189 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
16190 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
16191
16192 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
16193 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
16194 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
16195
16196 @node Ada
16197 @subsection Ada
16198 @cindex Ada
16199
16200 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
16201 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
16202 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
16203 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
16204 to be difficult.
16205
16206
16207 @cindex expressions in Ada
16208 @menu
16209 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
16210 and semantics supported by Ada mode
16211 in @value{GDBN}.
16212 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
16213 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
16214 * Overloading support for Ada:: Support for expressions involving overloaded
16215 subprograms.
16216 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
16217 * Ada Exceptions:: Ada Exceptions
16218 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
16219 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
16220 * Ravenscar Profile:: Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar
16221 Profile
16222 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
16223 @end menu
16224
16225 @node Ada Mode Intro
16226 @subsubsection Introduction
16227 @cindex Ada mode, general
16228
16229 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
16230 syntax, with some extensions.
16231 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
16232
16233 @itemize @bullet
16234 @item
16235 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
16236 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
16237 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
16238 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
16239
16240 @item
16241 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
16242 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
16243
16244 @item
16245 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
16246 @end itemize
16247
16248 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
16249 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
16250 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
16251 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
16252 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
16253
16254 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
16255 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
16256 was translated from an Ada source file.
16257
16258 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
16259 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
16260 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
16261 middle (to allow based literals).
16262
16263 @node Omissions from Ada
16264 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
16265 @cindex Ada, omissions from
16266
16267 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
16268
16269 @itemize @bullet
16270 @item
16271 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
16272
16273 @itemize @minus
16274 @item
16275 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
16276 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
16277
16278 @item
16279 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
16280
16281 @item
16282 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
16283
16284 @item
16285 @t{'Tag}.
16286
16287 @item
16288 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
16289 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
16290
16291 @item
16292 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
16293 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
16294
16295 @item
16296 @t{'Address}.
16297 @end itemize
16298
16299 @item
16300 The names in
16301 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
16302 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
16303 not currently available.
16304
16305 @item
16306 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
16307 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
16308 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
16309 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
16310 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
16311 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
16312 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
16313 indeterminate values.
16314
16315 @item
16316 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
16317 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
16318 are not implemented.
16319
16320 @item
16321 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
16322 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
16323 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
16324 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
16325 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
16326
16327 @smallexample
16328 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
16329 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
16330 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
16331 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
16332 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
16333 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
16334 @end smallexample
16335
16336 Changing a
16337 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
16338 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
16339 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
16340 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
16341 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
16342 declared to have a type such as:
16343
16344 @smallexample
16345 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
16346 Id : Integer;
16347 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
16348 end record;
16349 @end smallexample
16350
16351 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
16352 assignments:
16353
16354 @smallexample
16355 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
16356 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
16357 @end smallexample
16358
16359 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
16360 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
16361 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
16362 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
16363 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
16364 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
16365 redundant component associations, although which component values are
16366 assigned in such cases is not defined.
16367
16368 @item
16369 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
16370
16371 @item
16372 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
16373 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
16374 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
16375 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
16376 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
16377 the proper resolution.
16378
16379 @item
16380 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
16381
16382 @item
16383 Entry calls are not implemented.
16384
16385 @item
16386 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
16387 formats are not supported.
16388
16389 @item
16390 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
16391
16392 @item
16393 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
16394 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
16395 context.
16396 Should your program
16397 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
16398 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
16399 @end itemize
16400
16401 @node Additions to Ada
16402 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
16403 @cindex Ada, deviations from
16404
16405 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
16406 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
16407
16408 @itemize @bullet
16409 @item
16410 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
16411 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
16412 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
16413 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
16414 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
16415 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
16416 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
16417 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
16418
16419 @item
16420 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
16421 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
16422 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
16423
16424 @item
16425 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
16426 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
16427
16428 @item
16429 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
16430 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
16431 @end itemize
16432
16433 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
16434 additions specific to Ada:
16435
16436 @itemize @bullet
16437 @item
16438 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
16439 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
16440
16441 @smallexample
16442 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
16443 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
16444 @end smallexample
16445
16446 @item
16447 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
16448 the value of its right-hand operand.
16449 This allows, for example,
16450 complex conditional breaks:
16451
16452 @smallexample
16453 (@value{GDBP}) break f
16454 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
16455 @end smallexample
16456
16457 @item
16458 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
16459 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
16460 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
16461 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
16462 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
16463 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
16464 in strings. For example,
16465 @smallexample
16466 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
16467 @end smallexample
16468 @noindent
16469 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
16470 after each period.
16471
16472 @item
16473 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
16474 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
16475 to write
16476
16477 @smallexample
16478 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
16479 @end smallexample
16480
16481 @item
16482 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
16483 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
16484 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
16485 of 3 might print as
16486
16487 @smallexample
16488 (3 => 10, 17, 1)
16489 @end smallexample
16490
16491 @noindent
16492 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
16493 clause.
16494
16495 @item
16496 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
16497 multi-character subsequence of
16498 their names (an exact match gets preference).
16499 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
16500 in place of @t{a'length}.
16501
16502 @item
16503 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
16504 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
16505 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
16506 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
16507 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
16508 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
16509 For example,
16510 @smallexample
16511 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
16512 @end smallexample
16513
16514 @item
16515 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
16516 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
16517 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
16518 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
16519 object.
16520
16521 @end itemize
16522
16523 @node Overloading support for Ada
16524 @subsubsection Overloading support for Ada
16525 @cindex overloading, Ada
16526
16527 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
16528 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
16529 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
16530 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
16531 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
16532 functions to procedures elsewhere.
16533
16534 If, after narrowing, the set of matching definitions still contains more than
16535 one definition, @value{GDBN} will display a menu to query which one it should
16536 use, for instance:
16537
16538 @smallexample
16539 (@value{GDBP}) print f(1)
16540 Multiple matches for f
16541 [0] cancel
16542 [1] foo.f (integer) return boolean at foo.adb:23
16543 [2] foo.f (foo.new_integer) return boolean at foo.adb:28
16544 >
16545 @end smallexample
16546
16547 In this case, just select one menu entry either to cancel expression evaluation
16548 (type @kbd{0} and press @key{RET}) or to continue evaluation with a specific
16549 instance (type the corresponding number and press @key{RET}).
16550
16551 Here are a couple of commands to customize @value{GDBN}'s behavior in this
16552 case:
16553
16554 @table @code
16555
16556 @kindex set ada print-signatures
16557 @item set ada print-signatures
16558 Control whether parameter types and return types are displayed in overloads
16559 selection menus. It is @code{on} by default.
16560 @xref{Overloading support for Ada}.
16561
16562 @kindex show ada print-signatures
16563 @item show ada print-signatures
16564 Show the current setting for displaying parameter types and return types in
16565 overloads selection menu.
16566 @xref{Overloading support for Ada}.
16567
16568 @end table
16569
16570 @node Stopping Before Main Program
16571 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
16572
16573 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
16574 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
16575 before reaching the main procedure.
16576 As defined in the Ada Reference
16577 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
16578 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
16579 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
16580 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
16581
16582 @node Ada Exceptions
16583 @subsubsection Ada Exceptions
16584
16585 A command is provided to list all Ada exceptions:
16586
16587 @table @code
16588 @kindex info exceptions
16589 @item info exceptions
16590 @itemx info exceptions @var{regexp}
16591 The @code{info exceptions} command allows you to list all Ada exceptions
16592 defined within the program being debugged, as well as their addresses.
16593 With a regular expression, @var{regexp}, as argument, only those exceptions
16594 whose names match @var{regexp} are listed.
16595 @end table
16596
16597 Below is a small example, showing how the command can be used, first
16598 without argument, and next with a regular expression passed as an
16599 argument.
16600
16601 @smallexample
16602 (@value{GDBP}) info exceptions
16603 All defined Ada exceptions:
16604 constraint_error: 0x613da0
16605 program_error: 0x613d20
16606 storage_error: 0x613ce0
16607 tasking_error: 0x613ca0
16608 const.aint_global_e: 0x613b00
16609 (@value{GDBP}) info exceptions const.aint
16610 All Ada exceptions matching regular expression "const.aint":
16611 constraint_error: 0x613da0
16612 const.aint_global_e: 0x613b00
16613 @end smallexample
16614
16615 It is also possible to ask @value{GDBN} to stop your program's execution
16616 when an exception is raised. For more details, see @ref{Set Catchpoints}.
16617
16618 @node Ada Tasks
16619 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
16620 @cindex Ada, tasking
16621
16622 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
16623 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
16624
16625 @table @code
16626 @kindex info tasks
16627 @item info tasks
16628 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
16629
16630
16631 @smallexample
16632 @iftex
16633 @leftskip=0.5cm
16634 @end iftex
16635 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16636 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16637 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16638 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
16639 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
16640 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
16641
16642 @end smallexample
16643
16644 @noindent
16645 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
16646 task currently being inspected.
16647
16648 @table @asis
16649 @item ID
16650 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
16651
16652 @item TID
16653 The Ada task ID.
16654
16655 @item P-ID
16656 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
16657
16658 @item Pri
16659 The base priority of the task.
16660
16661 @item State
16662 Current state of the task.
16663
16664 @table @code
16665 @item Unactivated
16666 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
16667 executing.
16668
16669 @item Runnable
16670 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
16671 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
16672
16673 @item Terminated
16674 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
16675 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
16676 terminated themselves.
16677
16678 @item Child Activation Wait
16679 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
16680
16681 @item Accept Statement
16682 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
16683
16684 @item Waiting on entry call
16685 The task is waiting on an entry call.
16686
16687 @item Async Select Wait
16688 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
16689 select statement.
16690
16691 @item Delay Sleep
16692 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
16693 alternative open.
16694
16695 @item Child Termination Wait
16696 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
16697 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
16698 waiting on a terminate Phase.
16699
16700 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
16701 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
16702 finish terminating.
16703
16704 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
16705 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
16706 @end table
16707
16708 @item Name
16709 Name of the task in the program.
16710
16711 @end table
16712
16713 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
16714 @item info task @var{taskno}
16715 This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
16716 the following example:
16717 @smallexample
16718 @iftex
16719 @leftskip=0.5cm
16720 @end iftex
16721 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16722 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16723 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16724 * 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
16725 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
16726 Ada Task: 0x807c468
16727 Name: task_1
16728 Thread: 0x807f378
16729 Parent: 1 (main_task)
16730 Base Priority: 15
16731 State: Runnable
16732 @end smallexample
16733
16734 @item task
16735 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
16736 @cindex current Ada task ID
16737 This command prints the ID of the current task.
16738
16739 @smallexample
16740 @iftex
16741 @leftskip=0.5cm
16742 @end iftex
16743 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16744 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16745 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16746 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
16747 (@value{GDBP}) task
16748 [Current task is 2]
16749 @end smallexample
16750
16751 @item task @var{taskno}
16752 @cindex Ada task switching
16753 This command is like the @code{thread @var{thread-id}}
16754 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
16755 from the current task to the given task.
16756
16757 @smallexample
16758 @iftex
16759 @leftskip=0.5cm
16760 @end iftex
16761 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16762 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16763 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16764 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
16765 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
16766 [Switching to task 1]
16767 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
16768 (@value{GDBP}) bt
16769 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
16770 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
16771 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
16772 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
16773 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
16774 @end smallexample
16775
16776 @item break @var{location} task @var{taskno}
16777 @itemx break @var{location} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
16778 @cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
16779 @cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
16780 @kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
16781 These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
16782 command (@pxref{Thread Stops}). The
16783 @var{location} argument specifies source lines, as described
16784 in @ref{Specify Location}.
16785
16786 Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
16787 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
16788 particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. The @var{taskno} is one of the
16789 numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
16790 column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
16791
16792 If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
16793 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
16794 program.
16795
16796 You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
16797 well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
16798 breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
16799
16800 For example,
16801
16802 @smallexample
16803 @iftex
16804 @leftskip=0.5cm
16805 @end iftex
16806 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16807 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16808 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16809 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
16810 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
16811 * 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
16812 (@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
16813 Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
16814 (@value{GDBP}) cont
16815 Continuing.
16816 task # 1 running
16817 task # 2 running
16818
16819 Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
16820 15 flush;
16821 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16822 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16823 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16824 * 2 140045060 1 15 Runnable t2
16825 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
16826 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
16827 @end smallexample
16828 @end table
16829
16830 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
16831 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
16832 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
16833
16834 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
16835 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
16836 the platform being used.
16837 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
16838 switching is not supported.
16839
16840 On certain platforms, the debugger needs to perform some
16841 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
16842 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
16843 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
16844 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
16845 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
16846
16847 @node Ravenscar Profile
16848 @subsubsection Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar Profile
16849 @cindex Ravenscar Profile
16850
16851 The @dfn{Ravenscar Profile} is a subset of the Ada tasking features,
16852 specifically designed for systems with safety-critical real-time
16853 requirements.
16854
16855 @table @code
16856 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching on
16857 @cindex task switching with program using Ravenscar Profile
16858 @item set ravenscar task-switching on
16859 Allows task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
16860 Profile. This is the default.
16861
16862 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching off
16863 @item set ravenscar task-switching off
16864 Turn off task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
16865 Profile. This is mostly intended to disable the code that adds support
16866 for the Ravenscar Profile, in case a bug in either @value{GDBN} or in
16867 the Ravenscar runtime is preventing @value{GDBN} from working properly.
16868 To be effective, this command should be run before the program is started.
16869
16870 @kindex show ravenscar task-switching
16871 @item show ravenscar task-switching
16872 Show whether it is possible to switch from task to task in a program
16873 using the Ravenscar Profile.
16874
16875 @end table
16876
16877 @node Ada Glitches
16878 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
16879 @cindex Ada, problems
16880
16881 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
16882 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
16883 @value{GDBN},
16884 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
16885 and the GNU Ada compiler.
16886
16887 @itemize @bullet
16888 @item
16889 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
16890 storage are invisible to the debugger.
16891
16892 @item
16893 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
16894 argument lists are treated as positional).
16895
16896 @item
16897 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
16898
16899 @item
16900 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
16901 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
16902 the host machine.
16903
16904 @item
16905 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
16906 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
16907 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
16908 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
16909 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
16910 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
16911 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
16912 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
16913 you can usually resolve the confusion
16914 by qualifying the problematic names with package
16915 @code{Standard} explicitly.
16916 @end itemize
16917
16918 Older versions of the compiler sometimes generate erroneous debugging
16919 information, resulting in the debugger incorrectly printing the value
16920 of affected entities. In some cases, the debugger is able to work
16921 around an issue automatically. In other cases, the debugger is able
16922 to work around the issue, but the work-around has to be specifically
16923 enabled.
16924
16925 @kindex set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
16926 @kindex show ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
16927 @table @code
16928
16929 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS on
16930 Configure GDB to strictly follow the GNAT encoding when computing the
16931 value of Ada entities, particularly when @code{PAD} and @code{PAD___XVS}
16932 types are involved (see @code{ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources for
16933 a complete description of the encoding used by the GNAT compiler).
16934 This is the default.
16935
16936 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS off
16937 This is related to the encoding using by the GNAT compiler. If @value{GDBN}
16938 sometimes prints the wrong value for certain entities, changing @code{ada
16939 trust-PAD-over-XVS} to @code{off} activates a work-around which may fix
16940 the issue. It is always safe to set @code{ada trust-PAD-over-XVS} to
16941 @code{off}, but this incurs a slight performance penalty, so it is
16942 recommended to leave this setting to @code{on} unless necessary.
16943
16944 @end table
16945
16946 @cindex GNAT descriptive types
16947 @cindex GNAT encoding
16948 Internally, the debugger also relies on the compiler following a number
16949 of conventions known as the @samp{GNAT Encoding}, all documented in
16950 @file{gcc/ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources. This encoding describes
16951 how the debugging information should be generated for certain types.
16952 In particular, this convention makes use of @dfn{descriptive types},
16953 which are artificial types generated purely to help the debugger.
16954
16955 These encodings were defined at a time when the debugging information
16956 format used was not powerful enough to describe some of the more complex
16957 types available in Ada. Since DWARF allows us to express nearly all
16958 Ada features, the long-term goal is to slowly replace these descriptive
16959 types by their pure DWARF equivalent. To facilitate that transition,
16960 a new maintenance option is available to force the debugger to ignore
16961 those descriptive types. It allows the user to quickly evaluate how
16962 well @value{GDBN} works without them.
16963
16964 @table @code
16965
16966 @kindex maint ada set ignore-descriptive-types
16967 @item maintenance ada set ignore-descriptive-types [on|off]
16968 Control whether the debugger should ignore descriptive types.
16969 The default is not to ignore descriptives types (@code{off}).
16970
16971 @kindex maint ada show ignore-descriptive-types
16972 @item maintenance ada show ignore-descriptive-types
16973 Show if descriptive types are ignored by @value{GDBN}.
16974
16975 @end table
16976
16977 @node Unsupported Languages
16978 @section Unsupported Languages
16979
16980 @cindex unsupported languages
16981 @cindex minimal language
16982 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
16983 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
16984 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
16985 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
16986 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
16987 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
16988
16989 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
16990 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
16991 language.
16992
16993 @node Symbols
16994 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
16995
16996 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
16997 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
16998 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
16999 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
17000 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
17001 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
17002 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
17003
17004 @cindex symbol names
17005 @cindex names of symbols
17006 @cindex quoting names
17007 @anchor{quoting names}
17008 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
17009 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
17010 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
17011 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
17012 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
17013 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
17014 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
17015 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
17016
17017 @smallexample
17018 p 'foo.c'::x
17019 @end smallexample
17020
17021 @noindent
17022 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
17023
17024 @table @code
17025 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
17026 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
17027 @kindex set case-sensitive
17028 @item set case-sensitive on
17029 @itemx set case-sensitive off
17030 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
17031 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
17032 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
17033 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
17034 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
17035 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
17036 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
17037 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
17038 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
17039 case-insensitive matches.
17040
17041 @kindex show case-sensitive
17042 @item show case-sensitive
17043 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
17044 lookups.
17045
17046 @kindex set print type methods
17047 @item set print type methods
17048 @itemx set print type methods on
17049 @itemx set print type methods off
17050 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any methods
17051 declared in that class. You can control this behavior either by
17052 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
17053 print type methods}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
17054 display the methods; this is the default. Specifying @code{off} will
17055 cause @value{GDBN} to omit the methods.
17056
17057 @kindex show print type methods
17058 @item show print type methods
17059 This command shows the current setting of method display when printing
17060 classes.
17061
17062 @kindex set print type typedefs
17063 @item set print type typedefs
17064 @itemx set print type typedefs on
17065 @itemx set print type typedefs off
17066
17067 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any typedefs
17068 defined in that class. You can control this behavior either by
17069 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
17070 print type typedefs}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
17071 display the typedef definitions; this is the default. Specifying
17072 @code{off} will cause @value{GDBN} to omit the typedef definitions.
17073 Note that this controls whether the typedef definition itself is
17074 printed, not whether typedef names are substituted when printing other
17075 types.
17076
17077 @kindex show print type typedefs
17078 @item show print type typedefs
17079 This command shows the current setting of typedef display when
17080 printing classes.
17081
17082 @kindex info address
17083 @cindex address of a symbol
17084 @item info address @var{symbol}
17085 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
17086 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
17087 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
17088 is always stored.
17089
17090 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
17091 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
17092 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
17093
17094 @kindex info symbol
17095 @cindex symbol from address
17096 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
17097 @item info symbol @var{addr}
17098 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
17099 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
17100 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
17101
17102 @smallexample
17103 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
17104 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
17105 @end smallexample
17106
17107 @noindent
17108 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
17109 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
17110
17111 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
17112 library containing the symbol is also printed:
17113
17114 @smallexample
17115 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
17116 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
17117 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
17118 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
17119 @end smallexample
17120
17121 @kindex demangle
17122 @cindex demangle
17123 @item demangle @r{[}-l @var{language}@r{]} @r{[}@var{--}@r{]} @var{name}
17124 Demangle @var{name}.
17125 If @var{language} is provided it is the name of the language to demangle
17126 @var{name} in. Otherwise @var{name} is demangled in the current language.
17127
17128 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
17129 and is useful when @var{name} begins with a dash.
17130
17131 The parameter @code{demangle-style} specifies how to interpret the kind
17132 of mangling used. @xref{Print Settings}.
17133
17134 @kindex whatis
17135 @item whatis[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
17136 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression
17137 or a name of a data type. With no argument, print the data type of
17138 @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
17139
17140 If @var{arg} is an expression (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), it
17141 is not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
17142 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place.
17143
17144 If @var{arg} is a variable or an expression, @code{whatis} prints its
17145 literal type as it is used in the source code. If the type was
17146 defined using a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will @emph{not} print
17147 the data type underlying the @code{typedef}. If the type of the
17148 variable or the expression is a compound data type, such as
17149 @code{struct} or @code{class}, @code{whatis} never prints their
17150 fields or methods. It just prints the @code{struct}/@code{class}
17151 name (a.k.a.@: its @dfn{tag}). If you want to see the members of
17152 such a compound data type, use @code{ptype}.
17153
17154 If @var{arg} is a type name that was defined using @code{typedef},
17155 @code{whatis} @dfn{unrolls} only one level of that @code{typedef}.
17156 Unrolling means that @code{whatis} will show the underlying type used
17157 in the @code{typedef} declaration of @var{arg}. However, if that
17158 underlying type is also a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will not
17159 unroll it.
17160
17161 For C code, the type names may also have the form @samp{class
17162 @var{class-name}}, @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union
17163 @var{union-tag}} or @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
17164
17165 @var{flags} can be used to modify how the type is displayed.
17166 Available flags are:
17167
17168 @table @code
17169 @item r
17170 Display in ``raw'' form. Normally, @value{GDBN} substitutes template
17171 parameters and typedefs defined in a class when printing the class'
17172 members. The @code{/r} flag disables this.
17173
17174 @item m
17175 Do not print methods defined in the class.
17176
17177 @item M
17178 Print methods defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
17179 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type methods}.
17180
17181 @item t
17182 Do not print typedefs defined in the class. Note that this controls
17183 whether the typedef definition itself is printed, not whether typedef
17184 names are substituted when printing other types.
17185
17186 @item T
17187 Print typedefs defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
17188 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type typedefs}.
17189 @end table
17190
17191 @kindex ptype
17192 @item ptype[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
17193 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
17194 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
17195 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
17196
17197 Contrary to @code{whatis}, @code{ptype} always unrolls any
17198 @code{typedef}s in its argument declaration, whether the argument is
17199 a variable, expression, or a data type. This means that @code{ptype}
17200 of a variable or an expression will not print literally its type as
17201 present in the source code---use @code{whatis} for that. @code{typedef}s at
17202 the pointer or reference targets are also unrolled. Only @code{typedef}s of
17203 fields, methods and inner @code{class typedef}s of @code{struct}s,
17204 @code{class}es and @code{union}s are not unrolled even with @code{ptype}.
17205
17206 For example, for this variable declaration:
17207
17208 @smallexample
17209 typedef double real_t;
17210 struct complex @{ real_t real; double imag; @};
17211 typedef struct complex complex_t;
17212 complex_t var;
17213 real_t *real_pointer_var;
17214 @end smallexample
17215
17216 @noindent
17217 the two commands give this output:
17218
17219 @smallexample
17220 @group
17221 (@value{GDBP}) whatis var
17222 type = complex_t
17223 (@value{GDBP}) ptype var
17224 type = struct complex @{
17225 real_t real;
17226 double imag;
17227 @}
17228 (@value{GDBP}) whatis complex_t
17229 type = struct complex
17230 (@value{GDBP}) whatis struct complex
17231 type = struct complex
17232 (@value{GDBP}) ptype struct complex
17233 type = struct complex @{
17234 real_t real;
17235 double imag;
17236 @}
17237 (@value{GDBP}) whatis real_pointer_var
17238 type = real_t *
17239 (@value{GDBP}) ptype real_pointer_var
17240 type = double *
17241 @end group
17242 @end smallexample
17243
17244 @noindent
17245 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
17246 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
17247
17248 @cindex incomplete type
17249 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
17250 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
17251 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
17252 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
17253 given these declarations:
17254
17255 @smallexample
17256 struct foo;
17257 struct foo *fooptr;
17258 @end smallexample
17259
17260 @noindent
17261 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
17262
17263 @smallexample
17264 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
17265 $1 = <incomplete type>
17266 @end smallexample
17267
17268 @noindent
17269 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
17270 completely specified.
17271
17272 @cindex unknown type
17273 Othertimes, information about a variable's type is completely absent
17274 from the debug information included in the program. This most often
17275 happens when the program or library where the variable is defined
17276 includes no debug information at all. @value{GDBN} knows the variable
17277 exists from inspecting the linker/loader symbol table (e.g., the ELF
17278 dynamic symbol table), but such symbols do not contain type
17279 information. Inspecting the type of a (global) variable for which
17280 @value{GDBN} has no type information shows:
17281
17282 @smallexample
17283 (@value{GDBP}) ptype var
17284 type = <data variable, no debug info>
17285 @end smallexample
17286
17287 @xref{Variables, no debug info variables}, for how to print the values
17288 of such variables.
17289
17290 @kindex info types
17291 @item info types @var{regexp}
17292 @itemx info types
17293 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
17294 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
17295 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
17296 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
17297 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
17298 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
17299 name is @code{value}.
17300
17301 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
17302 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
17303 lists all source files where a type is defined.
17304
17305 @kindex info type-printers
17306 @item info type-printers
17307 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled may
17308 have ``type printers'' available. When using @command{ptype} or
17309 @command{whatis}, these printers are consulted when the name of a type
17310 is needed. @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information on writing
17311 type printers.
17312
17313 @code{info type-printers} displays all the available type printers.
17314
17315 @kindex enable type-printer
17316 @kindex disable type-printer
17317 @item enable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
17318 @item disable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
17319 These commands can be used to enable or disable type printers.
17320
17321 @kindex info scope
17322 @cindex local variables
17323 @item info scope @var{location}
17324 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
17325 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
17326 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
17327 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
17328 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
17329
17330 @smallexample
17331 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
17332 Scope for command_line_handler:
17333 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
17334 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
17335 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
17336 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
17337 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
17338 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
17339 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
17340 @end smallexample
17341
17342 @noindent
17343 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
17344 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
17345 collect}.
17346
17347 @kindex info source
17348 @item info source
17349 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
17350 the function containing the current point of execution:
17351 @itemize @bullet
17352 @item
17353 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
17354 @item
17355 the directory it was compiled in,
17356 @item
17357 its length, in lines,
17358 @item
17359 which programming language it is written in,
17360 @item
17361 if the debug information provides it, the program that compiled the file
17362 (which may include, e.g., the compiler version and command line arguments),
17363 @item
17364 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
17365 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
17366 @item
17367 whether the debugging information includes information about
17368 preprocessor macros.
17369 @end itemize
17370
17371
17372 @kindex info sources
17373 @item info sources
17374 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
17375 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
17376 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
17377
17378 @kindex info functions
17379 @item info functions
17380 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
17381
17382 @item info functions @var{regexp}
17383 Print the names and data types of all defined functions
17384 whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
17385 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
17386 include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
17387 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
17388 that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
17389 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
17390
17391 @kindex info variables
17392 @item info variables
17393 Print the names and data types of all variables that are defined
17394 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
17395
17396 @item info variables @var{regexp}
17397 Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
17398 variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
17399 @var{regexp}.
17400
17401 @kindex info classes
17402 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
17403 @item info classes
17404 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
17405 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
17406 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
17407 expression.
17408
17409 @kindex info selectors
17410 @item info selectors
17411 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
17412 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
17413 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
17414 expression.
17415
17416 @ignore
17417 This was never implemented.
17418 @kindex info methods
17419 @item info methods
17420 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
17421 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
17422 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
17423 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
17424 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
17425 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
17426 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
17427 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
17428 @end ignore
17429
17430 @cindex opaque data types
17431 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
17432 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
17433 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
17434 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
17435 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
17436 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
17437 another source file. The default is on.
17438
17439 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
17440 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
17441
17442 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
17443 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
17444 is printed as follows:
17445 @smallexample
17446 @{<no data fields>@}
17447 @end smallexample
17448
17449 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
17450 @item show opaque-type-resolution
17451 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
17452
17453 @kindex set print symbol-loading
17454 @cindex print messages when symbols are loaded
17455 @item set print symbol-loading
17456 @itemx set print symbol-loading full
17457 @itemx set print symbol-loading brief
17458 @itemx set print symbol-loading off
17459 The @code{set print symbol-loading} command allows you to control the
17460 printing of messages when @value{GDBN} loads symbol information.
17461 By default a message is printed for the executable and one for each
17462 shared library, and normally this is what you want. However, when
17463 debugging apps with large numbers of shared libraries these messages
17464 can be annoying.
17465 When set to @code{brief} a message is printed for each executable,
17466 and when @value{GDBN} loads a collection of shared libraries at once
17467 it will only print one message regardless of the number of shared
17468 libraries. When set to @code{off} no messages are printed.
17469
17470 @kindex show print symbol-loading
17471 @item show print symbol-loading
17472 Show whether messages will be printed when a @value{GDBN} command
17473 entered from the keyboard causes symbol information to be loaded.
17474
17475 @kindex maint print symbols
17476 @cindex symbol dump
17477 @kindex maint print psymbols
17478 @cindex partial symbol dump
17479 @kindex maint print msymbols
17480 @cindex minimal symbol dump
17481 @item maint print symbols @r{[}-pc @var{address}@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
17482 @itemx maint print symbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}-source @var{source}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
17483 @itemx maint print psymbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}-pc @var{address}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
17484 @itemx maint print psymbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}-source @var{source}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
17485 @itemx maint print msymbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
17486 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename} or
17487 the terminal if @var{filename} is unspecified.
17488 If @code{-objfile @var{objfile}} is specified, only dump symbols for
17489 that objfile.
17490 If @code{-pc @var{address}} is specified, only dump symbols for the file
17491 with code at that address. Note that @var{address} may be a symbol like
17492 @code{main}.
17493 If @code{-source @var{source}} is specified, only dump symbols for that
17494 source file.
17495
17496 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code.
17497 These commands do not modify internal @value{GDBN} state, therefore
17498 @samp{maint print symbols} will only print symbols for already expanded symbol
17499 tables.
17500 You can use the command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are.
17501 If you use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information
17502 about symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols
17503 defined in files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely.
17504 Finally, @samp{maint print msymbols} just dumps ``minimal symbols'', e.g.,
17505 ``ELF symbols''.
17506
17507 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
17508 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
17509
17510 @kindex maint info symtabs
17511 @kindex maint info psymtabs
17512 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
17513 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
17514 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
17515 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
17516 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
17517 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
17518
17519 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
17520 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
17521 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
17522 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
17523 structure in more detail. For example:
17524
17525 @smallexample
17526 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
17527 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
17528 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
17529 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
17530 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
17531 readin no
17532 fullname (null)
17533 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
17534 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
17535 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
17536 dependencies (none)
17537 @}
17538 @}
17539 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
17540 (@value{GDBP})
17541 @end smallexample
17542 @noindent
17543 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
17544 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
17545 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
17546 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
17547 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
17548
17549 @smallexample
17550 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
17551 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
17552 line 1574.
17553 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
17554 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
17555 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
17556 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
17557 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
17558 dirname (null)
17559 fullname (null)
17560 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
17561 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
17562 debugformat DWARF 2
17563 @}
17564 @}
17565 (@value{GDBP})
17566 @end smallexample
17567
17568 @kindex maint info line-table
17569 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal line tables
17570 @cindex line tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
17571 @item maint info line-table @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
17572
17573 List the @code{struct linetable} from all @code{struct symtab}
17574 instances whose name matches @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
17575 given, list the @code{struct linetable} from all @code{struct symtab}.
17576
17577 @kindex maint set symbol-cache-size
17578 @cindex symbol cache size
17579 @item maint set symbol-cache-size @var{size}
17580 Set the size of the symbol cache to @var{size}.
17581 The default size is intended to be good enough for debugging
17582 most applications. This option exists to allow for experimenting
17583 with different sizes.
17584
17585 @kindex maint show symbol-cache-size
17586 @item maint show symbol-cache-size
17587 Show the size of the symbol cache.
17588
17589 @kindex maint print symbol-cache
17590 @cindex symbol cache, printing its contents
17591 @item maint print symbol-cache
17592 Print the contents of the symbol cache.
17593 This is useful when debugging symbol cache issues.
17594
17595 @kindex maint print symbol-cache-statistics
17596 @cindex symbol cache, printing usage statistics
17597 @item maint print symbol-cache-statistics
17598 Print symbol cache usage statistics.
17599 This helps determine how well the cache is being utilized.
17600
17601 @kindex maint flush-symbol-cache
17602 @cindex symbol cache, flushing
17603 @item maint flush-symbol-cache
17604 Flush the contents of the symbol cache, all entries are removed.
17605 This command is useful when debugging the symbol cache.
17606 It is also useful when collecting performance data.
17607
17608 @end table
17609
17610 @node Altering
17611 @chapter Altering Execution
17612
17613 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
17614 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
17615 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
17616 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
17617 program.
17618
17619 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
17620 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
17621 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
17622
17623 @menu
17624 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
17625 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
17626 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
17627 * Returning:: Returning from a function
17628 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
17629 * Patching:: Patching your program
17630 * Compiling and Injecting Code:: Compiling and injecting code in @value{GDBN}
17631 @end menu
17632
17633 @node Assignment
17634 @section Assignment to Variables
17635
17636 @cindex assignment
17637 @cindex setting variables
17638 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
17639 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
17640
17641 @smallexample
17642 print x=4
17643 @end smallexample
17644
17645 @noindent
17646 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
17647 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
17648 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
17649 information on operators in supported languages.
17650
17651 @kindex set variable
17652 @cindex variables, setting
17653 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
17654 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
17655 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
17656 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
17657 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
17658
17659 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
17660 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
17661 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
17662 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
17663 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
17664 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
17665 command @code{set width}:
17666
17667 @smallexample
17668 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
17669 type = double
17670 (@value{GDBP}) p width
17671 $4 = 13
17672 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
17673 Invalid syntax in expression.
17674 @end smallexample
17675
17676 @noindent
17677 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
17678 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
17679
17680 @smallexample
17681 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
17682 @end smallexample
17683
17684 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
17685 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
17686 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
17687 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
17688 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
17689 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
17690
17691 @smallexample
17692 @group
17693 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
17694 type = double
17695 (@value{GDBP}) p g
17696 $1 = 1
17697 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
17698 (@value{GDBP}) p g
17699 $2 = 1
17700 (@value{GDBP}) r
17701 The program being debugged has been started already.
17702 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
17703 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
17704 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
17705 Invalid bfd target.
17706 (@value{GDBP}) show g
17707 The current BFD target is "=4".
17708 @end group
17709 @end smallexample
17710
17711 @noindent
17712 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
17713 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
17714 @code{g}, use
17715
17716 @smallexample
17717 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
17718 @end smallexample
17719
17720 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
17721 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
17722 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
17723 same length or shorter.
17724 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
17725 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
17726
17727 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
17728 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
17729 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
17730 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
17731 and representation in memory), and
17732
17733 @smallexample
17734 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
17735 @end smallexample
17736
17737 @noindent
17738 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
17739
17740 @node Jumping
17741 @section Continuing at a Different Address
17742
17743 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
17744 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
17745 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
17746
17747 @table @code
17748 @kindex jump
17749 @kindex j @r{(@code{jump})}
17750 @item jump @var{location}
17751 @itemx j @var{location}
17752 Resume execution at @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately
17753 if there is a breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description
17754 of the different forms of @var{location}. It is common
17755 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
17756 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
17757
17758 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
17759 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
17760 register other than the program counter. If @var{location} is in
17761 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
17762 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
17763 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
17764 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
17765 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
17766 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
17767 @end table
17768
17769 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
17770 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
17771 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
17772 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
17773 example,
17774
17775 @smallexample
17776 set $pc = 0x485
17777 @end smallexample
17778
17779 @noindent
17780 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
17781 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
17782 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
17783
17784 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
17785 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
17786 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
17787 detail.
17788
17789 @c @group
17790 @node Signaling
17791 @section Giving your Program a Signal
17792 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
17793
17794 @table @code
17795 @kindex signal
17796 @item signal @var{signal}
17797 Resume execution where your program is stopped, but immediately give it the
17798 signal @var{signal}. The @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
17799 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
17800 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
17801
17802 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
17803 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
17804 a signal and would ordinarily see the signal when resumed with the
17805 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
17806 signal.
17807
17808 @emph{Note:} When resuming a multi-threaded program, @var{signal} is
17809 delivered to the currently selected thread, not the thread that last
17810 reported a stop. This includes the situation where a thread was
17811 stopped due to a signal. So if you want to continue execution
17812 suppressing the signal that stopped a thread, you should select that
17813 same thread before issuing the @samp{signal 0} command. If you issue
17814 the @samp{signal 0} command with another thread as the selected one,
17815 @value{GDBN} detects that and asks for confirmation.
17816
17817 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
17818 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
17819 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
17820 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
17821 passes the signal directly to your program.
17822
17823 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
17824 after executing the command.
17825
17826 @kindex queue-signal
17827 @item queue-signal @var{signal}
17828 Queue @var{signal} to be delivered immediately to the current thread
17829 when execution of the thread resumes. The @var{signal} can be the name or
17830 the number of a signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and
17831 @code{signal SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
17832 The handling of the signal must be set to pass the signal to the program,
17833 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error.
17834 You can control the handling of signals from @value{GDBN} with the
17835 @code{handle} command (@pxref{Signals}).
17836
17837 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, any currently queued signal
17838 for the current thread is discarded and when execution resumes no signal
17839 will be delivered. This is useful when your program stopped on account
17840 of a signal and would ordinarily see the signal when resumed with the
17841 @code{continue} command.
17842
17843 This command differs from the @code{signal} command in that the signal
17844 is just queued, execution is not resumed. And @code{queue-signal} cannot
17845 be used to pass a signal whose handling state has been set to @code{nopass}
17846 (@pxref{Signals}).
17847 @end table
17848 @c @end group
17849
17850 @xref{stepping into signal handlers}, for information on how stepping
17851 commands behave when the thread has a signal queued.
17852
17853 @node Returning
17854 @section Returning from a Function
17855
17856 @table @code
17857 @cindex returning from a function
17858 @kindex return
17859 @item return
17860 @itemx return @var{expression}
17861 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
17862 command. If you give an
17863 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
17864 value.
17865 @end table
17866
17867 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
17868 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
17869 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
17870 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
17871
17872 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
17873 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
17874 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
17875 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
17876 of functions.
17877
17878 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
17879 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
17880 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
17881 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
17882 selected stack frame returns naturally.
17883
17884 @value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
17885 the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
17886 type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
17887 OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
17888 CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
17889 registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
17890 specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
17891 current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
17892 assignment into the right register(s).
17893
17894 Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
17895 use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
17896 debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
17897 function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
17898 int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
17899 into a @code{long long int}:
17900
17901 @smallexample
17902 Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
17903 29 return 31;
17904 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
17905 Make func return now? (y or n) y
17906 #0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
17907 43 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
17908 (@value{GDBP})
17909 @end smallexample
17910
17911 However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
17912 function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
17913 to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
17914 in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
17915 typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
17916 of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
17917 architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
17918 an appropriate cast explicitly:
17919
17920 @smallexample
17921 Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
17922 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
17923 Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
17924 Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
17925 (@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
17926 Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
17927 #0 0x00400526 in main ()
17928 (@value{GDBP})
17929 @end smallexample
17930
17931 @node Calling
17932 @section Calling Program Functions
17933
17934 @table @code
17935 @cindex calling functions
17936 @cindex inferior functions, calling
17937 @item print @var{expr}
17938 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
17939 The expression may include calls to functions in the program being
17940 debugged.
17941
17942 @kindex call
17943 @item call @var{expr}
17944 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
17945 returned values.
17946
17947 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
17948 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
17949 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
17950 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
17951 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
17952 value history.
17953 @end table
17954
17955 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
17956 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
17957 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
17958 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
17959
17960 Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
17961 call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
17962 exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
17963 frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
17964 an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
17965 dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
17966 seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
17967 in that case is controlled by the
17968 @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
17969
17970 @table @code
17971 @item set unwindonsignal
17972 @kindex set unwindonsignal
17973 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
17974 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
17975 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
17976 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
17977 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
17978 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
17979 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
17980 received.
17981
17982 @item show unwindonsignal
17983 @kindex show unwindonsignal
17984 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
17985 @value{GDBN}.
17986
17987 @item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
17988 @kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
17989 @cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
17990 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
17991 Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
17992 unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
17993 debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
17994 it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
17995 the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
17996 the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
17997
17998 @item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
17999 @kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
18000 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
18001 @value{GDBN}.
18002
18003 @end table
18004
18005 @subsection Calling functions with no debug info
18006
18007 @cindex no debug info functions
18008 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is missing debug information.
18009 In such case, @value{GDBN} does not know the type of the function,
18010 including the types of the function's parameters. To avoid calling
18011 the inferior function incorrectly, which could result in the called
18012 function functioning erroneously and even crash, @value{GDBN} refuses
18013 to call the function unless you tell it the type of the function.
18014
18015 For prototyped (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) functions, there are two ways
18016 to do that. The simplest is to cast the call to the function's
18017 declared return type. For example:
18018
18019 @smallexample
18020 (@value{GDBP}) p getenv ("PATH")
18021 'getenv' has unknown return type; cast the call to its declared return type
18022 (@value{GDBP}) p (char *) getenv ("PATH")
18023 $1 = 0x7fffffffe7ba "/usr/local/bin:/"...
18024 @end smallexample
18025
18026 Casting the return type of a no-debug function is equivalent to
18027 casting the function to a pointer to a prototyped function that has a
18028 prototype that matches the types of the passed-in arguments, and
18029 calling that. I.e., the call above is equivalent to:
18030
18031 @smallexample
18032 (@value{GDBP}) p ((char * (*) (const char *)) getenv) ("PATH")
18033 @end smallexample
18034
18035 @noindent
18036 and given this prototyped C or C++ function with float parameters:
18037
18038 @smallexample
18039 float multiply (float v1, float v2) @{ return v1 * v2; @}
18040 @end smallexample
18041
18042 @noindent
18043 these calls are equivalent:
18044
18045 @smallexample
18046 (@value{GDBP}) p (float) multiply (2.0f, 3.0f)
18047 (@value{GDBP}) p ((float (*) (float, float)) multiply) (2.0f, 3.0f)
18048 @end smallexample
18049
18050 If the function you wish to call is declared as unprototyped (i.e.@:
18051 old K&R style), you must use the cast-to-function-pointer syntax, so
18052 that @value{GDBN} knows that it needs to apply default argument
18053 promotions (promote float arguments to double). @xref{ABI, float
18054 promotion}. For example, given this unprototyped C function with
18055 float parameters, and no debug info:
18056
18057 @smallexample
18058 float
18059 multiply_noproto (v1, v2)
18060 float v1, v2;
18061 @{
18062 return v1 * v2;
18063 @}
18064 @end smallexample
18065
18066 @noindent
18067 you call it like this:
18068
18069 @smallexample
18070 (@value{GDBP}) p ((float (*) ()) multiply_noproto) (2.0f, 3.0f)
18071 @end smallexample
18072
18073 @node Patching
18074 @section Patching Programs
18075
18076 @cindex patching binaries
18077 @cindex writing into executables
18078 @cindex writing into corefiles
18079
18080 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
18081 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
18082 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
18083 patching your program's binary.
18084
18085 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
18086 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
18087 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
18088 repairs.
18089
18090 @table @code
18091 @kindex set write
18092 @item set write on
18093 @itemx set write off
18094 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
18095 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
18096 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
18097
18098 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
18099 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
18100 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
18101
18102 @item show write
18103 @kindex show write
18104 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
18105 as well as reading.
18106 @end table
18107
18108 @node Compiling and Injecting Code
18109 @section Compiling and injecting code in @value{GDBN}
18110 @cindex injecting code
18111 @cindex writing into executables
18112 @cindex compiling code
18113
18114 @value{GDBN} supports on-demand compilation and code injection into
18115 programs running under @value{GDBN}. GCC 5.0 or higher built with
18116 @file{libcc1.so} must be installed for this functionality to be enabled.
18117 This functionality is implemented with the following commands.
18118
18119 @table @code
18120 @kindex compile code
18121 @item compile code @var{source-code}
18122 @itemx compile code -raw @var{--} @var{source-code}
18123 Compile @var{source-code} with the compiler language found as the current
18124 language in @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Languages}). If compilation and
18125 injection is not supported with the current language specified in
18126 @value{GDBN}, or the compiler does not support this feature, an error
18127 message will be printed. If @var{source-code} compiles and links
18128 successfully, @value{GDBN} will load the object-code emitted,
18129 and execute it within the context of the currently selected inferior.
18130 It is important to note that the compiled code is executed immediately.
18131 After execution, the compiled code is removed from @value{GDBN} and any
18132 new types or variables you have defined will be deleted.
18133
18134 The command allows you to specify @var{source-code} in two ways.
18135 The simplest method is to provide a single line of code to the command.
18136 E.g.:
18137
18138 @smallexample
18139 compile code printf ("hello world\n");
18140 @end smallexample
18141
18142 If you specify options on the command line as well as source code, they
18143 may conflict. The @samp{--} delimiter can be used to separate options
18144 from actual source code. E.g.:
18145
18146 @smallexample
18147 compile code -r -- printf ("hello world\n");
18148 @end smallexample
18149
18150 Alternatively you can enter source code as multiple lines of text. To
18151 enter this mode, invoke the @samp{compile code} command without any text
18152 following the command. This will start the multiple-line editor and
18153 allow you to type as many lines of source code as required. When you
18154 have completed typing, enter @samp{end} on its own line to exit the
18155 editor.
18156
18157 @smallexample
18158 compile code
18159 >printf ("hello\n");
18160 >printf ("world\n");
18161 >end
18162 @end smallexample
18163
18164 Specifying @samp{-raw}, prohibits @value{GDBN} from wrapping the
18165 provided @var{source-code} in a callable scope. In this case, you must
18166 specify the entry point of the code by defining a function named
18167 @code{_gdb_expr_}. The @samp{-raw} code cannot access variables of the
18168 inferior. Using @samp{-raw} option may be needed for example when
18169 @var{source-code} requires @samp{#include} lines which may conflict with
18170 inferior symbols otherwise.
18171
18172 @kindex compile file
18173 @item compile file @var{filename}
18174 @itemx compile file -raw @var{filename}
18175 Like @code{compile code}, but take the source code from @var{filename}.
18176
18177 @smallexample
18178 compile file /home/user/example.c
18179 @end smallexample
18180 @end table
18181
18182 @table @code
18183 @item compile print @var{expr}
18184 @itemx compile print /@var{f} @var{expr}
18185 Compile and execute @var{expr} with the compiler language found as the
18186 current language in @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Languages}). By default the
18187 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
18188 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
18189 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
18190 Formats}.
18191
18192 @item compile print
18193 @itemx compile print /@var{f}
18194 @cindex reprint the last value
18195 Alternatively you can enter the expression (source code producing it) as
18196 multiple lines of text. To enter this mode, invoke the @samp{compile print}
18197 command without any text following the command. This will start the
18198 multiple-line editor.
18199 @end table
18200
18201 @noindent
18202 The process of compiling and injecting the code can be inspected using:
18203
18204 @table @code
18205 @anchor{set debug compile}
18206 @item set debug compile
18207 @cindex compile command debugging info
18208 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} process of compiling and
18209 injecting the code. The default is off.
18210
18211 @item show debug compile
18212 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} process of
18213 compiling and injecting the code.
18214 @end table
18215
18216 @subsection Compilation options for the @code{compile} command
18217
18218 @value{GDBN} needs to specify the right compilation options for the code
18219 to be injected, in part to make its ABI compatible with the inferior
18220 and in part to make the injected code compatible with @value{GDBN}'s
18221 injecting process.
18222
18223 @noindent
18224 The options used, in increasing precedence:
18225
18226 @table @asis
18227 @item target architecture and OS options (@code{gdbarch})
18228 These options depend on target processor type and target operating
18229 system, usually they specify at least 32-bit (@code{-m32}) or 64-bit
18230 (@code{-m64}) compilation option.
18231
18232 @item compilation options recorded in the target
18233 @value{NGCC} (since version 4.7) stores the options used for compilation
18234 into @code{DW_AT_producer} part of DWARF debugging information according
18235 to the @value{NGCC} option @code{-grecord-gcc-switches}. One has to
18236 explicitly specify @code{-g} during inferior compilation otherwise
18237 @value{NGCC} produces no DWARF. This feature is only relevant for
18238 platforms where @code{-g} produces DWARF by default, otherwise one may
18239 try to enforce DWARF by using @code{-gdwarf-4}.
18240
18241 @item compilation options set by @code{set compile-args}
18242 @end table
18243
18244 @noindent
18245 You can override compilation options using the following command:
18246
18247 @table @code
18248 @item set compile-args
18249 @cindex compile command options override
18250 Set compilation options used for compiling and injecting code with the
18251 @code{compile} commands. These options override any conflicting ones
18252 from the target architecture and/or options stored during inferior
18253 compilation.
18254
18255 @item show compile-args
18256 Displays the current state of compilation options override.
18257 This does not show all the options actually used during compilation,
18258 use @ref{set debug compile} for that.
18259 @end table
18260
18261 @subsection Caveats when using the @code{compile} command
18262
18263 There are a few caveats to keep in mind when using the @code{compile}
18264 command. As the caveats are different per language, the table below
18265 highlights specific issues on a per language basis.
18266
18267 @table @asis
18268 @item C code examples and caveats
18269 When the language in @value{GDBN} is set to @samp{C}, the compiler will
18270 attempt to compile the source code with a @samp{C} compiler. The source
18271 code provided to the @code{compile} command will have much the same
18272 access to variables and types as it normally would if it were part of
18273 the program currently being debugged in @value{GDBN}.
18274
18275 Below is a sample program that forms the basis of the examples that
18276 follow. This program has been compiled and loaded into @value{GDBN},
18277 much like any other normal debugging session.
18278
18279 @smallexample
18280 void function1 (void)
18281 @{
18282 int i = 42;
18283 printf ("function 1\n");
18284 @}
18285
18286 void function2 (void)
18287 @{
18288 int j = 12;
18289 function1 ();
18290 @}
18291
18292 int main(void)
18293 @{
18294 int k = 6;
18295 int *p;
18296 function2 ();
18297 return 0;
18298 @}
18299 @end smallexample
18300
18301 For the purposes of the examples in this section, the program above has
18302 been compiled, loaded into @value{GDBN}, stopped at the function
18303 @code{main}, and @value{GDBN} is awaiting input from the user.
18304
18305 To access variables and types for any program in @value{GDBN}, the
18306 program must be compiled and packaged with debug information. The
18307 @code{compile} command is not an exception to this rule. Without debug
18308 information, you can still use the @code{compile} command, but you will
18309 be very limited in what variables and types you can access.
18310
18311 So with that in mind, the example above has been compiled with debug
18312 information enabled. The @code{compile} command will have access to
18313 all variables and types (except those that may have been optimized
18314 out). Currently, as @value{GDBN} has stopped the program in the
18315 @code{main} function, the @code{compile} command would have access to
18316 the variable @code{k}. You could invoke the @code{compile} command
18317 and type some source code to set the value of @code{k}. You can also
18318 read it, or do anything with that variable you would normally do in
18319 @code{C}. Be aware that changes to inferior variables in the
18320 @code{compile} command are persistent. In the following example:
18321
18322 @smallexample
18323 compile code k = 3;
18324 @end smallexample
18325
18326 @noindent
18327 the variable @code{k} is now 3. It will retain that value until
18328 something else in the example program changes it, or another
18329 @code{compile} command changes it.
18330
18331 Normal scope and access rules apply to source code compiled and
18332 injected by the @code{compile} command. In the example, the variables
18333 @code{j} and @code{k} are not accessible yet, because the program is
18334 currently stopped in the @code{main} function, where these variables
18335 are not in scope. Therefore, the following command
18336
18337 @smallexample
18338 compile code j = 3;
18339 @end smallexample
18340
18341 @noindent
18342 will result in a compilation error message.
18343
18344 Once the program is continued, execution will bring these variables in
18345 scope, and they will become accessible; then the code you specify via
18346 the @code{compile} command will be able to access them.
18347
18348 You can create variables and types with the @code{compile} command as
18349 part of your source code. Variables and types that are created as part
18350 of the @code{compile} command are not visible to the rest of the program for
18351 the duration of its run. This example is valid:
18352
18353 @smallexample
18354 compile code int ff = 5; printf ("ff is %d\n", ff);
18355 @end smallexample
18356
18357 However, if you were to type the following into @value{GDBN} after that
18358 command has completed:
18359
18360 @smallexample
18361 compile code printf ("ff is %d\n'', ff);
18362 @end smallexample
18363
18364 @noindent
18365 a compiler error would be raised as the variable @code{ff} no longer
18366 exists. Object code generated and injected by the @code{compile}
18367 command is removed when its execution ends. Caution is advised
18368 when assigning to program variables values of variables created by the
18369 code submitted to the @code{compile} command. This example is valid:
18370
18371 @smallexample
18372 compile code int ff = 5; k = ff;
18373 @end smallexample
18374
18375 The value of the variable @code{ff} is assigned to @code{k}. The variable
18376 @code{k} does not require the existence of @code{ff} to maintain the value
18377 it has been assigned. However, pointers require particular care in
18378 assignment. If the source code compiled with the @code{compile} command
18379 changed the address of a pointer in the example program, perhaps to a
18380 variable created in the @code{compile} command, that pointer would point
18381 to an invalid location when the command exits. The following example
18382 would likely cause issues with your debugged program:
18383
18384 @smallexample
18385 compile code int ff = 5; p = &ff;
18386 @end smallexample
18387
18388 In this example, @code{p} would point to @code{ff} when the
18389 @code{compile} command is executing the source code provided to it.
18390 However, as variables in the (example) program persist with their
18391 assigned values, the variable @code{p} would point to an invalid
18392 location when the command exists. A general rule should be followed
18393 in that you should either assign @code{NULL} to any assigned pointers,
18394 or restore a valid location to the pointer before the command exits.
18395
18396 Similar caution must be exercised with any structs, unions, and typedefs
18397 defined in @code{compile} command. Types defined in the @code{compile}
18398 command will no longer be available in the next @code{compile} command.
18399 Therefore, if you cast a variable to a type defined in the
18400 @code{compile} command, care must be taken to ensure that any future
18401 need to resolve the type can be achieved.
18402
18403 @smallexample
18404 (gdb) compile code static struct a @{ int a; @} v = @{ 42 @}; argv = &v;
18405 (gdb) compile code printf ("%d\n", ((struct a *) argv)->a);
18406 gdb command line:1:36: error: dereferencing pointer to incomplete type ‘struct a’
18407 Compilation failed.
18408 (gdb) compile code struct a @{ int a; @}; printf ("%d\n", ((struct a *) argv)->a);
18409 42
18410 @end smallexample
18411
18412 Variables that have been optimized away by the compiler are not
18413 accessible to the code submitted to the @code{compile} command.
18414 Access to those variables will generate a compiler error which @value{GDBN}
18415 will print to the console.
18416 @end table
18417
18418 @subsection Compiler search for the @code{compile} command
18419
18420 @value{GDBN} needs to find @value{NGCC} for the inferior being debugged
18421 which may not be obvious for remote targets of different architecture
18422 than where @value{GDBN} is running. Environment variable @code{PATH} on
18423 @value{GDBN} host is searched for @value{NGCC} binary matching the
18424 target architecture and operating system. This search can be overriden
18425 by @code{set compile-gcc} @value{GDBN} command below. @code{PATH} is
18426 taken from shell that executed @value{GDBN}, it is not the value set by
18427 @value{GDBN} command @code{set environment}). @xref{Environment}.
18428
18429
18430 Specifically @code{PATH} is searched for binaries matching regular expression
18431 @code{@var{arch}(-[^-]*)?-@var{os}-gcc} according to the inferior target being
18432 debugged. @var{arch} is processor name --- multiarch is supported, so for
18433 example both @code{i386} and @code{x86_64} targets look for pattern
18434 @code{(x86_64|i.86)} and both @code{s390} and @code{s390x} targets look
18435 for pattern @code{s390x?}. @var{os} is currently supported only for
18436 pattern @code{linux(-gnu)?}.
18437
18438 On Posix hosts the compiler driver @value{GDBN} needs to find also
18439 shared library @file{libcc1.so} from the compiler. It is searched in
18440 default shared library search path (overridable with usual environment
18441 variable @code{LD_LIBRARY_PATH}), unrelated to @code{PATH} or @code{set
18442 compile-gcc} settings. Contrary to it @file{libcc1plugin.so} is found
18443 according to the installation of the found compiler --- as possibly
18444 specified by the @code{set compile-gcc} command.
18445
18446 @table @code
18447 @item set compile-gcc
18448 @cindex compile command driver filename override
18449 Set compilation command used for compiling and injecting code with the
18450 @code{compile} commands. If this option is not set (it is set to
18451 an empty string), the search described above will occur --- that is the
18452 default.
18453
18454 @item show compile-gcc
18455 Displays the current compile command @value{NGCC} driver filename.
18456 If set, it is the main command @command{gcc}, found usually for example
18457 under name @file{x86_64-linux-gnu-gcc}.
18458 @end table
18459
18460 @node GDB Files
18461 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
18462
18463 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
18464 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
18465 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
18466 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
18467
18468 @menu
18469 * Files:: Commands to specify files
18470 * File Caching:: Information about @value{GDBN}'s file caching
18471 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
18472 * MiniDebugInfo:: Debugging information in a special section
18473 * Index Files:: Index files speed up GDB
18474 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
18475 * Data Files:: GDB data files
18476 @end menu
18477
18478 @node Files
18479 @section Commands to Specify Files
18480
18481 @cindex symbol table
18482 @cindex core dump file
18483
18484 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
18485 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
18486 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
18487 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
18488
18489 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
18490 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
18491 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
18492 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
18493 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
18494 new files are useful.
18495
18496 @table @code
18497 @cindex executable file
18498 @kindex file
18499 @item file @var{filename}
18500 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
18501 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
18502 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
18503 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
18504 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
18505 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
18506 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
18507 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
18508
18509 @cindex unlinked object files
18510 @cindex patching object files
18511 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
18512 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
18513 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
18514 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
18515 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
18516 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
18517 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
18518 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
18519
18520 @item file
18521 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
18522 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
18523
18524 @kindex exec-file
18525 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
18526 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
18527 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
18528 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
18529 discard information on the executable file.
18530
18531 @kindex symbol-file
18532 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
18533 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
18534 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
18535 table and program to run from the same file.
18536
18537 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
18538 program's symbol table.
18539
18540 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
18541 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
18542 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
18543 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
18544 @value{GDBN}.
18545
18546 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
18547 executing it once.
18548
18549 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
18550 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
18551 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
18552 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
18553 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
18554 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
18555 optimized code.
18556
18557 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
18558 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
18559 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
18560 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
18561 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
18562
18563 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
18564 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
18565 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
18566 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
18567 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
18568 Warnings and Messages}.)
18569
18570 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
18571 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
18572 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
18573 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
18574 in stabs format.
18575
18576 @kindex readnow
18577 @cindex reading symbols immediately
18578 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
18579 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
18580 @itemx file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
18581 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
18582 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
18583 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
18584 entire symbol table available.
18585
18586 @cindex @code{-readnever}, option for symbol-file command
18587 @cindex never read symbols
18588 @cindex symbols, never read
18589 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnever @r{]} @var{filename}
18590 @itemx file @r{[} -readnever @r{]} @var{filename}
18591 You can instruct @value{GDBN} to never read the symbolic information
18592 contained in @var{filename} by using the @samp{-readnever} option.
18593 @xref{--readnever}.
18594
18595 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
18596 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
18597 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
18598 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
18599 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
18600 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
18601 @c files.
18602
18603 @kindex core-file
18604 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
18605 @itemx core
18606 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
18607 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
18608 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
18609 executable file itself for other parts.
18610
18611 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
18612 to be used.
18613
18614 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
18615 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
18616 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
18617 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
18618 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
18619
18620 @kindex add-symbol-file
18621 @cindex dynamic linking
18622 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
18623 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{|} -readnever @r{]}
18624 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} -s @var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
18625 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
18626 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
18627 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
18628 into the program that is running. The @var{address} should give the memory
18629 address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
18630 this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
18631 of @samp{-s @var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
18632 section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
18633 @var{address} as an expression.
18634
18635 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
18636 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
18637 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
18638 thus read is kept in addition to the old.
18639
18640 Changes can be reverted using the command @code{remove-symbol-file}.
18641
18642 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
18643 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
18644 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
18645 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
18646 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
18647 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
18648 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
18649 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
18650 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
18651
18652 @itemize @bullet
18653 @item
18654 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
18655 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
18656 @item
18657 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
18658 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
18659 @item
18660 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
18661 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
18662 @end itemize
18663
18664 @noindent
18665 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
18666 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
18667 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
18668 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
18669 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
18670 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
18671 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
18672 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
18673 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
18674 way.
18675
18676 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
18677
18678 @kindex remove-symbol-file
18679 @item remove-symbol-file @var{filename}
18680 @item remove-symbol-file -a @var{address}
18681 Remove a symbol file added via the @code{add-symbol-file} command. The
18682 file to remove can be identified by its @var{filename} or by an @var{address}
18683 that lies within the boundaries of this symbol file in memory. Example:
18684
18685 @smallexample
18686 (gdb) add-symbol-file /home/user/gdb/mylib.so 0x7ffff7ff9480
18687 add symbol table from file "/home/user/gdb/mylib.so" at
18688 .text_addr = 0x7ffff7ff9480
18689 (y or n) y
18690 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/mylib.so...done.
18691 (gdb) remove-symbol-file -a 0x7ffff7ff9480
18692 Remove symbol table from file "/home/user/gdb/mylib.so"? (y or n) y
18693 (gdb)
18694 @end smallexample
18695
18696
18697 @code{remove-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
18698
18699 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
18700 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
18701 @cindex load symbols from memory
18702 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
18703 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
18704 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
18705 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
18706 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
18707 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
18708 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
18709 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
18710 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
18711
18712 @kindex section
18713 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
18714 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
18715 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
18716 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
18717 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
18718 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
18719 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
18720 their addresses.
18721
18722 @kindex info files
18723 @kindex info target
18724 @item info files
18725 @itemx info target
18726 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
18727 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
18728 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
18729 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
18730 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
18731 current ones.
18732
18733 @kindex maint info sections
18734 @item maint info sections
18735 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
18736 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
18737 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
18738 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
18739 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
18740 may be arbitrarily combined):
18741
18742 @table @code
18743 @item ALLOBJ
18744 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
18745 @item @var{sections}
18746 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
18747 @item @var{section-flags}
18748 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
18749 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
18750 @table @code
18751 @item ALLOC
18752 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
18753 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
18754 @item LOAD
18755 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
18756 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
18757 @item RELOC
18758 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
18759 @item READONLY
18760 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
18761 @item CODE
18762 Section contains executable code only.
18763 @item DATA
18764 Section contains data only (no executable code).
18765 @item ROM
18766 Section will reside in ROM.
18767 @item CONSTRUCTOR
18768 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
18769 @item HAS_CONTENTS
18770 Section is not empty.
18771 @item NEVER_LOAD
18772 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
18773 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
18774 A notification to the linker that the section contains
18775 COFF shared library information.
18776 @item IS_COMMON
18777 Section contains common symbols.
18778 @end table
18779 @end table
18780 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
18781 @cindex read-only sections
18782 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
18783 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
18784 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
18785 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
18786 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
18787 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
18788 enhancement to debugging performance.
18789
18790 The default is off.
18791
18792 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
18793 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
18794 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
18795 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
18796
18797 @item show trust-readonly-sections
18798 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
18799 @end table
18800
18801 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
18802 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
18803 name and remembers it that way.
18804
18805 @cindex shared libraries
18806 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
18807 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, SunOS,
18808 Darwin/Mach-O, SVr4, IBM RS/6000 AIX, QNX Neutrino, FDPIC (FR-V), and
18809 DSBT (TIC6X) shared libraries.
18810
18811 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
18812 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
18813
18814 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
18815 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
18816 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
18817 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
18818 debugging a core file).
18819
18820 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
18821 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
18822 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
18823
18824 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
18825 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
18826 particularly large or there are many of them.
18827
18828 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
18829 commands:
18830
18831 @table @code
18832 @kindex set auto-solib-add
18833 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
18834 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
18835 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
18836 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
18837 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
18838 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
18839 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
18840
18841 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
18842 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
18843 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
18844 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
18845 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
18846 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
18847 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
18848 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
18849 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
18850
18851 @kindex show auto-solib-add
18852 @item show auto-solib-add
18853 Display the current autoloading mode.
18854 @end table
18855
18856 @cindex load shared library
18857 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
18858 command:
18859
18860 @table @code
18861 @kindex info sharedlibrary
18862 @kindex info share
18863 @item info share @var{regex}
18864 @itemx info sharedlibrary @var{regex}
18865 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded
18866 that match @var{regex}. If @var{regex} is omitted then print
18867 all shared libraries that are loaded.
18868
18869 @kindex info dll
18870 @item info dll @var{regex}
18871 This is an alias of @code{info sharedlibrary}.
18872
18873 @kindex sharedlibrary
18874 @kindex share
18875 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
18876 @itemx share @var{regex}
18877 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
18878 Unix regular expression.
18879 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
18880 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
18881 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
18882 loaded.
18883
18884 @item nosharedlibrary
18885 @kindex nosharedlibrary
18886 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
18887 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
18888 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
18889 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
18890 discarded.
18891 @end table
18892
18893 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
18894 when any of shared library events happen. The best way to do this is
18895 to use @code{catch load} and @code{catch unload} (@pxref{Set
18896 Catchpoints}).
18897
18898 @value{GDBN} also supports the the @code{set stop-on-solib-events}
18899 command for this. This command exists for historical reasons. It is
18900 less useful than setting a catchpoint, because it does not allow for
18901 conditions or commands as a catchpoint does.
18902
18903 @table @code
18904 @item set stop-on-solib-events
18905 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
18906 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
18907 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
18908 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
18909 shared library.
18910
18911 @item show stop-on-solib-events
18912 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
18913 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
18914 library events happen.
18915 @end table
18916
18917 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
18918 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
18919 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
18920 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
18921 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
18922 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
18923 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
18924 not.
18925
18926 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
18927 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
18928 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
18929 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
18930 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
18931
18932 @table @code
18933 @cindex prefix for executable and shared library file names
18934 @cindex system root, alternate
18935 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
18936 @kindex set sysroot
18937 @item set sysroot @var{path}
18938 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
18939 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
18940 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
18941 target program's memory. When starting processes remotely, and when
18942 attaching to already-running processes (local or remote), their
18943 executable filenames will be prefixed with @var{path} if reported to
18944 @value{GDBN} as absolute by the operating system. If you use
18945 @code{set sysroot} to find executables and shared libraries, they need
18946 to be laid out in the same way that they are on the target, with
18947 e.g.@: a @file{/bin}, @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy under
18948 @var{path}.
18949
18950 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{target:} and the target
18951 system is remote then @value{GDBN} will retrieve the target binaries
18952 from the remote system. This is only supported when using a remote
18953 target that supports the @code{remote get} command (@pxref{File
18954 Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}). The part of @var{path}
18955 following the initial @file{target:} (if present) is used as system
18956 root prefix on the remote file system. If @var{path} starts with the
18957 sequence @file{remote:} this is converted to the sequence
18958 @file{target:} by @code{set sysroot}@footnote{Historically the
18959 functionality to retrieve binaries from the remote system was
18960 provided by prefixing @var{path} with @file{remote:}}. If you want
18961 to specify a local system root using a directory that happens to be
18962 named @file{target:} or @file{remote:}, you need to use some
18963 equivalent variant of the name like @file{./target:}.
18964
18965 For targets with an MS-DOS based filesystem, such as MS-Windows and
18966 SymbianOS, @value{GDBN} tries prefixing a few variants of the target
18967 absolute file name with @var{path}. But first, on Unix hosts,
18968 @value{GDBN} converts all backslash directory separators into forward
18969 slashes, because the backslash is not a directory separator on Unix:
18970
18971 @smallexample
18972 c:\foo\bar.dll @result{} c:/foo/bar.dll
18973 @end smallexample
18974
18975 Then, @value{GDBN} attempts prefixing the target file name with
18976 @var{path}, and looks for the resulting file name in the host file
18977 system:
18978
18979 @smallexample
18980 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c:/foo/bar.dll
18981 @end smallexample
18982
18983 If that does not find the binary, @value{GDBN} tries removing
18984 the @samp{:} character from the drive spec, both for convenience, and,
18985 for the case of the host file system not supporting file names with
18986 colons:
18987
18988 @smallexample
18989 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c/foo/bar.dll
18990 @end smallexample
18991
18992 This makes it possible to have a system root that mirrors a target
18993 with more than one drive. E.g., you may want to setup your local
18994 copies of the target system shared libraries like so (note @samp{c} vs
18995 @samp{z}):
18996
18997 @smallexample
18998 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/foo.dll}
18999 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/bar.dll}
19000 @file{/path/to/sysroot/z/sys/bin/bar.dll}
19001 @end smallexample
19002
19003 @noindent
19004 and point the system root at @file{/path/to/sysroot}, so that
19005 @value{GDBN} can find the correct copies of both
19006 @file{c:\sys\bin\foo.dll}, and @file{z:\sys\bin\bar.dll}.
19007
19008 If that still does not find the binary, @value{GDBN} tries
19009 removing the whole drive spec from the target file name:
19010
19011 @smallexample
19012 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/foo/bar.dll
19013 @end smallexample
19014
19015 This last lookup makes it possible to not care about the drive name,
19016 if you don't want or need to.
19017
19018 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
19019 sysroot}.
19020
19021 @cindex default system root
19022 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
19023 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
19024 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
19025 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
19026 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
19027 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
19028 location.
19029
19030 @kindex show sysroot
19031 @item show sysroot
19032 Display the current executable and shared library prefix.
19033
19034 @kindex set solib-search-path
19035 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
19036 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
19037 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
19038 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
19039 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
19040 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
19041 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
19042 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
19043 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
19044 of shared library symbols.
19045
19046 @kindex show solib-search-path
19047 @item show solib-search-path
19048 Display the current shared library search path.
19049
19050 @cindex DOS file-name semantics of file names.
19051 @kindex set target-file-system-kind (unix|dos-based|auto)
19052 @kindex show target-file-system-kind
19053 @item set target-file-system-kind @var{kind}
19054 Set assumed file system kind for target reported file names.
19055
19056 Shared library file names as reported by the target system may not
19057 make sense as is on the system @value{GDBN} is running on. For
19058 example, when remote debugging a target that has MS-DOS based file
19059 system semantics, from a Unix host, the target may be reporting to
19060 @value{GDBN} a list of loaded shared libraries with file names such as
19061 @file{c:\Windows\kernel32.dll}. On Unix hosts, there's no concept of
19062 drive letters, so the @samp{c:\} prefix is not normally understood as
19063 indicating an absolute file name, and neither is the backslash
19064 normally considered a directory separator character. In that case,
19065 the native file system would interpret this whole absolute file name
19066 as a relative file name with no directory components. This would make
19067 it impossible to point @value{GDBN} at a copy of the remote target's
19068 shared libraries on the host using @code{set sysroot}, and impractical
19069 with @code{set solib-search-path}. Setting
19070 @code{target-file-system-kind} to @code{dos-based} tells @value{GDBN}
19071 to interpret such file names similarly to how the target would, and to
19072 map them to file names valid on @value{GDBN}'s native file system
19073 semantics. The value of @var{kind} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition
19074 to one of the supported file system kinds. In that case, @value{GDBN}
19075 tries to determine the appropriate file system variant based on the
19076 current target's operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the
19077 Current ABI}). The supported file system settings are:
19078
19079 @table @code
19080 @item unix
19081 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is of Unix
19082 kind. Only file names starting the forward slash (@samp{/}) character
19083 are considered absolute, and the directory separator character is also
19084 the forward slash.
19085
19086 @item dos-based
19087 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is DOS based.
19088 File names starting with either a forward slash, or a drive letter
19089 followed by a colon (e.g., @samp{c:}), are considered absolute, and
19090 both the slash (@samp{/}) and the backslash (@samp{\\}) characters are
19091 considered directory separators.
19092
19093 @item auto
19094 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the file system kind associated with the
19095 target operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
19096 This is the default.
19097 @end table
19098 @end table
19099
19100 @cindex file name canonicalization
19101 @cindex base name differences
19102 When processing file names provided by the user, @value{GDBN}
19103 frequently needs to compare them to the file names recorded in the
19104 program's debug info. Normally, @value{GDBN} compares just the
19105 @dfn{base names} of the files as strings, which is reasonably fast
19106 even for very large programs. (The base name of a file is the last
19107 portion of its name, after stripping all the leading directories.)
19108 This shortcut in comparison is based upon the assumption that files
19109 cannot have more than one base name. This is usually true, but
19110 references to files that use symlinks or similar filesystem
19111 facilities violate that assumption. If your program records files
19112 using such facilities, or if you provide file names to @value{GDBN}
19113 using symlinks etc., you can set @code{basenames-may-differ} to
19114 @code{true} to instruct @value{GDBN} to completely canonicalize each
19115 pair of file names it needs to compare. This will make file-name
19116 comparisons accurate, but at a price of a significant slowdown.
19117
19118 @table @code
19119 @item set basenames-may-differ
19120 @kindex set basenames-may-differ
19121 Set whether a source file may have multiple base names.
19122
19123 @item show basenames-may-differ
19124 @kindex show basenames-may-differ
19125 Show whether a source file may have multiple base names.
19126 @end table
19127
19128 @node File Caching
19129 @section File Caching
19130 @cindex caching of opened files
19131 @cindex caching of bfd objects
19132
19133 To speed up file loading, and reduce memory usage, @value{GDBN} will
19134 reuse the @code{bfd} objects used to track open files. @xref{Top, ,
19135 BFD, bfd, The Binary File Descriptor Library}. The following commands
19136 allow visibility and control of the caching behavior.
19137
19138 @table @code
19139 @kindex maint info bfds
19140 @item maint info bfds
19141 This prints information about each @code{bfd} object that is known to
19142 @value{GDBN}.
19143
19144 @kindex maint set bfd-sharing
19145 @kindex maint show bfd-sharing
19146 @kindex bfd caching
19147 @item maint set bfd-sharing
19148 @item maint show bfd-sharing
19149 Control whether @code{bfd} objects can be shared. When sharing is
19150 enabled @value{GDBN} reuses already open @code{bfd} objects rather
19151 than reopening the same file. Turning sharing off does not cause
19152 already shared @code{bfd} objects to be unshared, but all future files
19153 that are opened will create a new @code{bfd} object. Similarly,
19154 re-enabling sharing does not cause multiple existing @code{bfd}
19155 objects to be collapsed into a single shared @code{bfd} object.
19156
19157 @kindex set debug bfd-cache @var{level}
19158 @kindex bfd caching
19159 @item set debug bfd-cache @var{level}
19160 Turns on debugging of the bfd cache, setting the level to @var{level}.
19161
19162 @kindex show debug bfd-cache
19163 @kindex bfd caching
19164 @item show debug bfd-cache
19165 Show the current debugging level of the bfd cache.
19166 @end table
19167
19168 @node Separate Debug Files
19169 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
19170 @cindex separate debugging information files
19171 @cindex debugging information in separate files
19172 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
19173 @cindex debugging information directory, global
19174 @cindex global debugging information directories
19175 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
19176 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
19177
19178 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
19179 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
19180 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
19181 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
19182 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
19183 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
19184 install only when they need to debug a problem.
19185
19186 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
19187 file:
19188
19189 @itemize @bullet
19190 @item
19191 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
19192 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
19193 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
19194 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
19195 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
19196 debug link specifies a 32-bit @dfn{Cyclic Redundancy Check} (CRC)
19197 checksum for the debug file, which @value{GDBN} uses to validate that
19198 the executable and the debug file came from the same build.
19199
19200 @item
19201 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
19202 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
19203 only on some operating systems, when using the ELF or PE file formats
19204 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
19205 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
19206 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
19207 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
19208 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
19209 below.
19210 @end itemize
19211
19212 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
19213 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
19214
19215 @itemize @bullet
19216 @item
19217 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
19218 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
19219 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under each one of the global debug
19220 directories, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
19221 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
19222
19223 @item
19224 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
19225 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of each one of the global debug directories for
19226 a file named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
19227 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
19228 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
19229 hex characters, not 10.)
19230 @end itemize
19231
19232 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
19233 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
19234 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
19235 @code{abcdef1234}. If the list of the global debug directories includes
19236 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
19237 debug information files, in the indicated order:
19238
19239 @itemize @minus
19240 @item
19241 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
19242 @item
19243 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
19244 @item
19245 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
19246 @item
19247 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
19248 @end itemize
19249
19250 @anchor{debug-file-directory}
19251 Global debugging info directories default to what is set by @value{GDBN}
19252 configure option @option{--with-separate-debug-dir}. During @value{GDBN} run
19253 you can also set the global debugging info directories, and view the list
19254 @value{GDBN} is currently using.
19255
19256 @table @code
19257
19258 @kindex set debug-file-directory
19259 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directories}
19260 Set the directories which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
19261 information files to @var{directory}. Multiple path components can be set
19262 concatenating them by a path separator.
19263
19264 @kindex show debug-file-directory
19265 @item show debug-file-directory
19266 Show the directories @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
19267 information files.
19268
19269 @end table
19270
19271 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
19272 @cindex debug link sections
19273 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
19274 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
19275
19276 @itemize
19277 @item
19278 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
19279 a zero byte,
19280 @item
19281 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
19282 boundary within the section, and
19283 @item
19284 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
19285 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
19286 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
19287 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
19288 @end itemize
19289
19290 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
19291 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
19292 described above.
19293
19294 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
19295 @cindex build ID sections
19296 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
19297 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
19298 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
19299 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
19300 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
19301 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
19302 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
19303 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
19304 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
19305
19306 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
19307 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
19308 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
19309 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
19310 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
19311 in an ordinary executable.
19312
19313 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
19314 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
19315 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
19316 following commands:
19317
19318 @smallexample
19319 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
19320 @kbd{strip -g foo}
19321 @end smallexample
19322
19323 @noindent
19324 These commands remove the debugging
19325 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
19326 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
19327 two files:
19328
19329 @itemize @bullet
19330 @item
19331 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
19332 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
19333
19334 @smallexample
19335 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
19336 @end smallexample
19337
19338 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
19339 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
19340 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
19341 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
19342
19343 @item
19344 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
19345 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
19346 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
19347 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
19348 @end itemize
19349
19350 @noindent
19351
19352 @cindex CRC algorithm definition
19353 The CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink} is the CRC-32 defined in
19354 IEEE 802.3 using the polynomial:
19355
19356 @c TexInfo requires naked braces for multi-digit exponents for Tex
19357 @c output, but this causes HTML output to barf. HTML has to be set using
19358 @c raw commands. So we end up having to specify this equation in 2
19359 @c different ways!
19360 @ifhtml
19361 @display
19362 @html
19363 <em>x</em><sup>32</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>26</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>23</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>22</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>16</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>12</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>11</sup>
19364 + <em>x</em><sup>10</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>8</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>7</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>5</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>4</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>2</sup> + <em>x</em> + 1
19365 @end html
19366 @end display
19367 @end ifhtml
19368 @ifnothtml
19369 @display
19370 @math{x^{32} + x^{26} + x^{23} + x^{22} + x^{16} + x^{12} + x^{11}}
19371 @math{+ x^{10} + x^8 + x^7 + x^5 + x^4 + x^2 + x + 1}
19372 @end display
19373 @end ifnothtml
19374
19375 The function is computed byte at a time, taking the least
19376 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern
19377 @code{0xffffffff} is used, to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC and
19378 the final result is inverted to ensure trailing zeros also affect the
19379 CRC.
19380
19381 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC polynomial as used in handling the
19382 @dfn{Remote Serial Protocol} @code{qCRC} packet (@pxref{qCRC packet}).
19383 However in the case of the Remote Serial Protocol, the CRC is computed
19384 @emph{most} significant bit first, and the result is not inverted, so
19385 trailing zeros have no effect on the CRC value.
19386
19387 To complete the description, we show below the code of the function
19388 which produces the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}. Inverting the
19389 initially supplied @code{crc} argument means that an initial call to
19390 this function passing in zero will start computing the CRC using
19391 @code{0xffffffff}.
19392
19393 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
19394 @smallexample
19395 unsigned long
19396 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
19397 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
19398 @{
19399 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
19400 @{
19401 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
19402 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
19403 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
19404 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
19405 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
19406 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
19407 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
19408 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
19409 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
19410 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
19411 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
19412 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
19413 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
19414 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
19415 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
19416 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
19417 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
19418 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
19419 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
19420 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
19421 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
19422 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
19423 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
19424 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
19425 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
19426 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
19427 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
19428 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
19429 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
19430 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
19431 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
19432 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
19433 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
19434 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
19435 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
19436 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
19437 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
19438 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
19439 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
19440 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
19441 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
19442 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
19443 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
19444 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
19445 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
19446 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
19447 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
19448 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
19449 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
19450 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
19451 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
19452 0x2d02ef8d
19453 @};
19454 unsigned char *end;
19455
19456 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
19457 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
19458 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
19459 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
19460 @}
19461 @end smallexample
19462
19463 @noindent
19464 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
19465
19466 @node MiniDebugInfo
19467 @section Debugging information in a special section
19468 @cindex separate debug sections
19469 @cindex @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section
19470
19471 Some systems ship pre-built executables and libraries that have a
19472 special @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section. This feature is called
19473 @dfn{MiniDebugInfo}. This section holds an LZMA-compressed object and
19474 is used to supply extra symbols for backtraces.
19475
19476 The intent of this section is to provide extra minimal debugging
19477 information for use in simple backtraces. It is not intended to be a
19478 replacement for full separate debugging information (@pxref{Separate
19479 Debug Files}). The example below shows the intended use; however,
19480 @value{GDBN} does not currently put restrictions on what sort of
19481 debugging information might be included in the section.
19482
19483 @value{GDBN} has support for this extension. If the section exists,
19484 then it is used provided that no other source of debugging information
19485 can be found, and that @value{GDBN} was configured with LZMA support.
19486
19487 This section can be easily created using @command{objcopy} and other
19488 standard utilities:
19489
19490 @smallexample
19491 # Extract the dynamic symbols from the main binary, there is no need
19492 # to also have these in the normal symbol table.
19493 nm -D @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
19494 | awk '@{ print $1 @}' | sort > dynsyms
19495
19496 # Extract all the text (i.e. function) symbols from the debuginfo.
19497 # (Note that we actually also accept "D" symbols, for the benefit
19498 # of platforms like PowerPC64 that use function descriptors.)
19499 nm @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
19500 | awk '@{ if ($2 == "T" || $2 == "t" || $2 == "D") print $1 @}' \
19501 | sort > funcsyms
19502
19503 # Keep all the function symbols not already in the dynamic symbol
19504 # table.
19505 comm -13 dynsyms funcsyms > keep_symbols
19506
19507 # Separate full debug info into debug binary.
19508 objcopy --only-keep-debug @var{binary} debug
19509
19510 # Copy the full debuginfo, keeping only a minimal set of symbols and
19511 # removing some unnecessary sections.
19512 objcopy -S --remove-section .gdb_index --remove-section .comment \
19513 --keep-symbols=keep_symbols debug mini_debuginfo
19514
19515 # Drop the full debug info from the original binary.
19516 strip --strip-all -R .comment @var{binary}
19517
19518 # Inject the compressed data into the .gnu_debugdata section of the
19519 # original binary.
19520 xz mini_debuginfo
19521 objcopy --add-section .gnu_debugdata=mini_debuginfo.xz @var{binary}
19522 @end smallexample
19523
19524 @node Index Files
19525 @section Index Files Speed Up @value{GDBN}
19526 @cindex index files
19527 @cindex @samp{.gdb_index} section
19528
19529 When @value{GDBN} finds a symbol file, it scans the symbols in the
19530 file in order to construct an internal symbol table. This lets most
19531 @value{GDBN} operations work quickly---at the cost of a delay early
19532 on. For large programs, this delay can be quite lengthy, so
19533 @value{GDBN} provides a way to build an index, which speeds up
19534 startup.
19535
19536 The index is stored as a section in the symbol file. @value{GDBN} can
19537 write the index to a file, then you can put it into the symbol file
19538 using @command{objcopy}.
19539
19540 To create an index file, use the @code{save gdb-index} command:
19541
19542 @table @code
19543 @item save gdb-index @var{directory}
19544 @kindex save gdb-index
19545 Create an index file for each symbol file currently known by
19546 @value{GDBN}. Each file is named after its corresponding symbol file,
19547 with @samp{.gdb-index} appended, and is written into the given
19548 @var{directory}.
19549 @end table
19550
19551 Once you have created an index file you can merge it into your symbol
19552 file, here named @file{symfile}, using @command{objcopy}:
19553
19554 @smallexample
19555 $ objcopy --add-section .gdb_index=symfile.gdb-index \
19556 --set-section-flags .gdb_index=readonly symfile symfile
19557 @end smallexample
19558
19559 @value{GDBN} will normally ignore older versions of @file{.gdb_index}
19560 sections that have been deprecated. Usually they are deprecated because
19561 they are missing a new feature or have performance issues.
19562 To tell @value{GDBN} to use a deprecated index section anyway
19563 specify @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
19564 The default is @code{off}.
19565 This can speed up startup, but may result in some functionality being lost.
19566 @xref{Index Section Format}.
19567
19568 @emph{Warning:} Setting @code{use-deprecated-index-sections} to @code{on}
19569 must be done before gdb reads the file. The following will not work:
19570
19571 @smallexample
19572 $ gdb -ex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
19573 @end smallexample
19574
19575 Instead you must do, for example,
19576
19577 @smallexample
19578 $ gdb -iex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
19579 @end smallexample
19580
19581 There are currently some limitation on indices. They only work when
19582 for DWARF debugging information, not stabs. And, they do not
19583 currently work for programs using Ada.
19584
19585 @node Symbol Errors
19586 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
19587
19588 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
19589 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
19590 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
19591 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
19592 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
19593 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
19594 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
19595 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
19596 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
19597 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
19598 Messages}).
19599
19600 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
19601
19602 @table @code
19603 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
19604
19605 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
19606 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
19607 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
19608 in its outer scope blocks.
19609
19610 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
19611 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
19612 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
19613 function.
19614
19615 @item block at @var{address} out of order
19616
19617 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
19618 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
19619 do so.
19620
19621 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
19622 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
19623 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
19624 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
19625 Messages}.)
19626
19627 @item bad block start address patched
19628
19629 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
19630 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
19631 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
19632
19633 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
19634 starting on the previous source line.
19635
19636 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
19637
19638 @cindex foo
19639 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
19640 larger than the size of the string table.
19641
19642 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
19643 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
19644 with this name.
19645
19646 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
19647
19648 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
19649 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
19650 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
19651
19652 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
19653 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
19654 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
19655 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
19656 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
19657 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
19658
19659 @item stub type has NULL name
19660
19661 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
19662
19663 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
19664 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
19665 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
19666 it.
19667
19668 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
19669
19670 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
19671
19672 @end table
19673
19674 @node Data Files
19675 @section GDB Data Files
19676
19677 @cindex prefix for data files
19678 @value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
19679 are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
19680
19681 You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
19682 is currently using.
19683
19684 @table @code
19685 @kindex set data-directory
19686 @item set data-directory @var{directory}
19687 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
19688 to @var{directory}.
19689
19690 @kindex show data-directory
19691 @item show data-directory
19692 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
19693 @end table
19694
19695 @cindex default data directory
19696 @cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
19697 You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
19698 @samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
19699 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
19700 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
19701 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
19702 location.
19703
19704 The data directory may also be specified with the
19705 @code{--data-directory} command line option.
19706 @xref{Mode Options}.
19707
19708 @node Targets
19709 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
19710
19711 @cindex debugging target
19712 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
19713
19714 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
19715 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
19716 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
19717 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
19718 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
19719 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
19720 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
19721 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
19722
19723 @cindex target architecture
19724 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
19725 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
19726 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
19727 command.
19728
19729 @table @code
19730 @kindex set architecture
19731 @kindex show architecture
19732 @item set architecture @var{arch}
19733 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
19734 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
19735 supported architectures.
19736
19737 @item show architecture
19738 Show the current target architecture.
19739
19740 @item set processor
19741 @itemx processor
19742 @kindex set processor
19743 @kindex show processor
19744 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
19745 and @code{show architecture}.
19746 @end table
19747
19748 @menu
19749 * Active Targets:: Active targets
19750 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
19751 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
19752 @end menu
19753
19754 @node Active Targets
19755 @section Active Targets
19756
19757 @cindex stacking targets
19758 @cindex active targets
19759 @cindex multiple targets
19760
19761 There are multiple classes of targets such as: processes, executable files or
19762 recording sessions. Core files belong to the process class, making core file
19763 and process mutually exclusive. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} can work concurrently
19764 on multiple active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for
19765 example) start a process and inspect its activity, while still having access to
19766 the executable file after the process finishes. Or if you start process
19767 recording (@pxref{Reverse Execution}) and @code{reverse-step} there, you are
19768 presented a virtual layer of the recording target, while the process target
19769 remains stopped at the chronologically last point of the process execution.
19770
19771 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new core
19772 file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}). To
19773 specify as a target a process that is already running, use the @code{attach}
19774 command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
19775
19776 @node Target Commands
19777 @section Commands for Managing Targets
19778
19779 @table @code
19780 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
19781 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
19782 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
19783 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
19784 protocol of the target machine.
19785
19786 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
19787 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
19788 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
19789
19790 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
19791 after executing the command.
19792
19793 @kindex help target
19794 @item help target
19795 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
19796 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
19797 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
19798
19799 @item help target @var{name}
19800 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
19801 select it.
19802
19803 @kindex set gnutarget
19804 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
19805 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
19806 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
19807 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
19808 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
19809 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
19810
19811 @quotation
19812 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
19813 you must know the actual BFD name.
19814 @end quotation
19815
19816 @noindent
19817 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
19818
19819 @kindex show gnutarget
19820 @item show gnutarget
19821 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
19822 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
19823 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
19824 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BFD target is "auto"}.
19825 @end table
19826
19827 @cindex common targets
19828 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
19829 configuration):
19830
19831 @table @code
19832 @kindex target
19833 @item target exec @var{program}
19834 @cindex executable file target
19835 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
19836 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
19837
19838 @item target core @var{filename}
19839 @cindex core dump file target
19840 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
19841 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
19842
19843 @item target remote @var{medium}
19844 @cindex remote target
19845 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
19846 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
19847 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
19848
19849 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
19850 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
19851
19852 @smallexample
19853 target remote /dev/ttya
19854 @end smallexample
19855
19856 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
19857 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
19858 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
19859 clobbered by the download.
19860
19861 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
19862 @cindex built-in simulator target
19863 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
19864 In general,
19865 @smallexample
19866 target sim
19867 load
19868 run
19869 @end smallexample
19870 @noindent
19871 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
19872 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
19873 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
19874 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
19875 Processors}.
19876
19877 @item target native
19878 @cindex native target
19879 Setup for local/native process debugging. Useful to make the
19880 @code{run} command spawn native processes (likewise @code{attach},
19881 etc.@:) even when @code{set auto-connect-native-target} is @code{off}
19882 (@pxref{set auto-connect-native-target}).
19883
19884 @end table
19885
19886 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
19887 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
19888
19889 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
19890 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
19891 various aspects of this process.
19892
19893 @table @code
19894
19895 @item set hash
19896 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
19897 @cindex hash mark while downloading
19898 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
19899 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
19900 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
19901 monitor.
19902
19903 @item show hash
19904 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
19905 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
19906
19907 @item set debug monitor
19908 @kindex set debug monitor
19909 @cindex display remote monitor communications
19910 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
19911 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
19912
19913 @item show debug monitor
19914 @kindex show debug monitor
19915 Show the current status of displaying communications between
19916 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
19917 @end table
19918
19919 @table @code
19920
19921 @kindex load @var{filename} @var{offset}
19922 @item load @var{filename} @var{offset}
19923 @anchor{load}
19924 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
19925 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
19926 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
19927 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
19928 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
19929 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
19930
19931 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
19932 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
19933 target is @dots{}}''
19934
19935 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
19936 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
19937 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
19938 specifies a fixed address.
19939 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
19940
19941 It is also possible to tell @value{GDBN} to load the executable file at a
19942 specific offset described by the optional argument @var{offset}. When
19943 @var{offset} is provided, @var{filename} must also be provided.
19944
19945 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
19946 load programs into flash memory.
19947
19948 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
19949 @end table
19950
19951 @table @code
19952
19953 @kindex flash-erase
19954 @item flash-erase
19955 @anchor{flash-erase}
19956
19957 Erases all known flash memory regions on the target.
19958
19959 @end table
19960
19961 @node Byte Order
19962 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
19963
19964 @cindex choosing target byte order
19965 @cindex target byte order
19966
19967 Some types of processors, such as the @acronym{MIPS}, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
19968 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
19969 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
19970 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
19971 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
19972 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
19973
19974 @table @code
19975 @kindex set endian
19976 @item set endian big
19977 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
19978
19979 @item set endian little
19980 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
19981
19982 @item set endian auto
19983 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
19984 executable.
19985
19986 @item show endian
19987 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
19988
19989 @end table
19990
19991 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
19992 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
19993 target system.
19994
19995
19996 @node Remote Debugging
19997 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
19998 @cindex remote debugging
19999
20000 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
20001 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
20002 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
20003 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
20004 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
20005
20006 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
20007 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
20008 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
20009 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
20010 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
20011 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
20012
20013 Other remote targets may be available in your
20014 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
20015
20016 @menu
20017 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
20018 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
20019 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
20020 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
20021 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
20022 @end menu
20023
20024 @node Connecting
20025 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
20026 @cindex remote debugging, connecting
20027 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, connecting
20028 @cindex remote debugging, types of connections
20029 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, types of connections
20030 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, @code{target remote} mode
20031 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, @code{target extended-remote} mode
20032
20033 This section describes how to connect to a remote target, including the
20034 types of connections and their differences, how to set up executable and
20035 symbol files on the host and target, and the commands used for
20036 connecting to and disconnecting from the remote target.
20037
20038 @subsection Types of Remote Connections
20039
20040 @value{GDBN} supports two types of remote connections, @code{target remote}
20041 mode and @code{target extended-remote} mode. Note that many remote targets
20042 support only @code{target remote} mode. There are several major
20043 differences between the two types of connections, enumerated here:
20044
20045 @table @asis
20046
20047 @cindex remote debugging, detach and program exit
20048 @item Result of detach or program exit
20049 @strong{With target remote mode:} When the debugged program exits or you
20050 detach from it, @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target. When using
20051 @code{gdbserver}, @code{gdbserver} will exit.
20052
20053 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} When the debugged program exits or
20054 you detach from it, @value{GDBN} remains connected to the target, even
20055 though no program is running. You can rerun the program, attach to a
20056 running program, or use @code{monitor} commands specific to the target.
20057
20058 When using @code{gdbserver} in this case, it does not exit unless it was
20059 invoked using the @option{--once} option. If the @option{--once} option
20060 was not used, you can ask @code{gdbserver} to exit using the
20061 @code{monitor exit} command (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}).
20062
20063 @item Specifying the program to debug
20064 For both connection types you use the @code{file} command to specify the
20065 program on the host system. If you are using @code{gdbserver} there are
20066 some differences in how to specify the location of the program on the
20067 target.
20068
20069 @strong{With target remote mode:} You must either specify the program to debug
20070 on the @code{gdbserver} command line or use the @option{--attach} option
20071 (@pxref{Attaching to a program,,Attaching to a Running Program}).
20072
20073 @cindex @option{--multi}, @code{gdbserver} option
20074 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} You may specify the program to debug
20075 on the @code{gdbserver} command line, or you can load the program or attach
20076 to it using @value{GDBN} commands after connecting to @code{gdbserver}.
20077
20078 @anchor{--multi Option in Types of Remote Connnections}
20079 You can start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
20080 or process ID to attach. To do this, use the @option{--multi} command line
20081 option. Then you can connect using @code{target extended-remote} and start
20082 the program you want to debug (see below for details on using the
20083 @code{run} command in this scenario). Note that the conditions under which
20084 @code{gdbserver} terminates depend on how @value{GDBN} connects to it
20085 (@code{target remote} or @code{target extended-remote}). The
20086 @option{--multi} option to @code{gdbserver} has no influence on that.
20087
20088 @item The @code{run} command
20089 @strong{With target remote mode:} The @code{run} command is not
20090 supported. Once a connection has been established, you can use all
20091 the usual @value{GDBN} commands to examine and change data. The
20092 remote program is already running, so you can use commands like
20093 @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}.
20094
20095 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} The @code{run} command is
20096 supported. The @code{run} command uses the value set by
20097 @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set remote exec-file}) to select
20098 the program to run. Command line arguments are supported, except for
20099 wildcard expansion and I/O redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
20100
20101 If you specify the program to debug on the command line, then the
20102 @code{run} command is not required to start execution, and you can
20103 resume using commands like @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue} as with
20104 @code{target remote} mode.
20105
20106 @anchor{Attaching in Types of Remote Connections}
20107 @item Attaching
20108 @strong{With target remote mode:} The @value{GDBN} command @code{attach} is
20109 not supported. To attach to a running program using @code{gdbserver}, you
20110 must use the @option{--attach} option (@pxref{Running gdbserver}).
20111
20112 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} To attach to a running program,
20113 you may use the @code{attach} command after the connection has been
20114 established. If you are using @code{gdbserver}, you may also invoke
20115 @code{gdbserver} using the @option{--attach} option
20116 (@pxref{Running gdbserver}).
20117
20118 @end table
20119
20120 @anchor{Host and target files}
20121 @subsection Host and Target Files
20122 @cindex remote debugging, symbol files
20123 @cindex symbol files, remote debugging
20124
20125 @value{GDBN}, running on the host, needs access to symbol and debugging
20126 information for your program running on the target. This requires
20127 access to an unstripped copy of your program, and possibly any associated
20128 symbol files. Note that this section applies equally to both @code{target
20129 remote} mode and @code{target extended-remote} mode.
20130
20131 Some remote targets (@pxref{qXfer executable filename read}, and
20132 @pxref{Host I/O Packets}) allow @value{GDBN} to access program files over
20133 the same connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. With such a
20134 target, if the remote program is unstripped, the only command you need is
20135 @code{target remote} (or @code{target extended-remote}).
20136
20137 If the remote program is stripped, or the target does not support remote
20138 program file access, start up @value{GDBN} using the name of the local
20139 unstripped copy of your program as the first argument, or use the
20140 @code{file} command. Use @code{set sysroot} to specify the location (on
20141 the host) of target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN} was compiled with
20142 the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}). Alternatively, you
20143 may use @code{set solib-search-path} to specify how @value{GDBN} locates
20144 target libraries.
20145
20146 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
20147 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
20148 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
20149 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
20150 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
20151 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
20152 programs.
20153
20154 @subsection Remote Connection Commands
20155 @cindex remote connection commands
20156 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
20157 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
20158 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
20159 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
20160 @code{target remote} and @code{target extended-remote} commands
20161 establish a connection to the target. Both commands accept the same
20162 arguments, which indicate the medium to use:
20163
20164 @table @code
20165
20166 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
20167 @itemx target extended-remote @var{serial-device}
20168 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
20169 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
20170 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
20171
20172 @smallexample
20173 target remote /dev/ttyb
20174 @end smallexample
20175
20176 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
20177 @samp{--baud} option, or use the @code{set serial baud} command
20178 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set serial baud}) before the
20179 @code{target} command.
20180
20181 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
20182 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20183 @itemx target extended-remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
20184 @itemx target extended-remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20185 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
20186 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
20187 The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
20188 address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
20189 the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
20190 it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
20191 target.
20192
20193 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
20194 @code{manyfarms}:
20195
20196 @smallexample
20197 target remote manyfarms:2828
20198 @end smallexample
20199
20200 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
20201 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
20202 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
20203 port 1234 on your local machine:
20204
20205 @smallexample
20206 target remote :1234
20207 @end smallexample
20208 @noindent
20209
20210 Note that the colon is still required here.
20211
20212 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20213 @itemx target extended-remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20214 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
20215 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
20216 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
20217
20218 @smallexample
20219 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
20220 @end smallexample
20221
20222 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
20223 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
20224 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
20225 cause havoc with your debugging session.
20226
20227 @item target remote | @var{command}
20228 @itemx target extended-remote | @var{command}
20229 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
20230 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
20231 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
20232 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
20233 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
20234 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
20235 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
20236 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
20237
20238 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
20239 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
20240 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
20241
20242 @end table
20243
20244 @cindex interrupting remote programs
20245 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
20246 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
20247 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
20248 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
20249 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
20250 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
20251
20252 @smallexample
20253 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
20254 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
20255 @end smallexample
20256
20257 In @code{target remote} mode, if you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons
20258 the remote debugging session. (If you decide you want to try again later,
20259 you can use @kbd{target remote} again to connect once more.) If you type
20260 @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN} goes back to waiting.
20261
20262 In @code{target extended-remote} mode, typing @kbd{n} will leave
20263 @value{GDBN} connected to the target.
20264
20265 @table @code
20266 @kindex detach (remote)
20267 @item detach
20268 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
20269 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
20270 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
20271 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
20272 command in @code{target remote} mode, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to
20273 another target. In @code{target extended-remote} mode, @value{GDBN} is
20274 still connected to the target.
20275
20276 @kindex disconnect
20277 @item disconnect
20278 The @code{disconnect} command closes the connection to the target, and
20279 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
20280 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
20281 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
20282 another target.
20283
20284 @cindex send command to remote monitor
20285 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
20286 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
20287 @kindex monitor
20288 @item monitor @var{cmd}
20289 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
20290 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
20291 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
20292 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
20293 and implement.
20294 @end table
20295
20296 @node File Transfer
20297 @section Sending files to a remote system
20298 @cindex remote target, file transfer
20299 @cindex file transfer
20300 @cindex sending files to remote systems
20301
20302 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
20303 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
20304 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
20305 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
20306 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
20307 the only way to upload or download files.
20308
20309 Not all remote targets support these commands.
20310
20311 @table @code
20312 @kindex remote put
20313 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
20314 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
20315 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
20316
20317 @kindex remote get
20318 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
20319 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
20320 on the host system.
20321
20322 @kindex remote delete
20323 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
20324 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
20325
20326 @end table
20327
20328 @node Server
20329 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
20330
20331 @kindex gdbserver
20332 @cindex remote connection without stubs
20333 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
20334 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
20335 @code{target remote} or @code{target extended-remote}---but without
20336 linking in the usual debugging stub.
20337
20338 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
20339 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
20340 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
20341 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
20342 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
20343 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
20344 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
20345 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
20346 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
20347 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
20348 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
20349 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
20350 choice for debugging.
20351
20352 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
20353 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
20354 protocol.
20355
20356 @quotation
20357 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
20358 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
20359 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
20360 target system with the same privileges as the user running
20361 @code{gdbserver}.
20362 @end quotation
20363
20364 @anchor{Running gdbserver}
20365 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
20366 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
20367 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, command-line arguments
20368
20369 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
20370 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
20371 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
20372 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
20373 system does all the symbol handling.
20374
20375 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
20376 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
20377 syntax is:
20378
20379 @smallexample
20380 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
20381 @end smallexample
20382
20383 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line), or a TCP
20384 hostname and portnumber, or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
20385 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}.
20386 For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
20387 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
20388 @file{/dev/com1}:
20389
20390 @smallexample
20391 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
20392 @end smallexample
20393
20394 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
20395 with it.
20396
20397 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
20398
20399 @smallexample
20400 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
20401 @end smallexample
20402
20403 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
20404 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
20405 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
20406 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
20407 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
20408 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
20409 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
20410 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
20411 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
20412 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
20413 @code{target remote} command.
20414
20415 The @code{stdio} connection is useful when starting @code{gdbserver}
20416 with ssh:
20417
20418 @smallexample
20419 (gdb) target remote | ssh -T hostname gdbserver - hello
20420 @end smallexample
20421
20422 The @samp{-T} option to ssh is provided because we don't need a remote pty,
20423 and we don't want escape-character handling. Ssh does this by default when
20424 a command is provided, the flag is provided to make it explicit.
20425 You could elide it if you want to.
20426
20427 Programs started with stdio-connected gdbserver have @file{/dev/null} for
20428 @code{stdin}, and @code{stdout},@code{stderr} are sent back to gdb for
20429 display through a pipe connected to gdbserver.
20430 Both @code{stdout} and @code{stderr} use the same pipe.
20431
20432 @anchor{Attaching to a program}
20433 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
20434 @cindex attach to a program, @code{gdbserver}
20435 @cindex @option{--attach}, @code{gdbserver} option
20436
20437 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
20438 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
20439
20440 @smallexample
20441 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
20442 @end smallexample
20443
20444 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
20445 necessary to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
20446
20447 In @code{target extended-remote} mode, you can also attach using the
20448 @value{GDBN} attach command
20449 (@pxref{Attaching in Types of Remote Connections}).
20450
20451 @pindex pidof
20452 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
20453 @code{pidof} utility:
20454
20455 @smallexample
20456 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
20457 @end smallexample
20458
20459 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
20460 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
20461 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
20462
20463 @subsubsection TCP port allocation lifecycle of @code{gdbserver}
20464
20465 This section applies only when @code{gdbserver} is run to listen on a TCP
20466 port.
20467
20468 @code{gdbserver} normally terminates after all of its debugged processes have
20469 terminated in @kbd{target remote} mode. On the other hand, for @kbd{target
20470 extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver} stays running even with no processes left.
20471 @value{GDBN} normally terminates the spawned debugged process on its exit,
20472 which normally also terminates @code{gdbserver} in the @kbd{target remote}
20473 mode. Therefore, when the connection drops unexpectedly, and @value{GDBN}
20474 cannot ask @code{gdbserver} to kill its debugged processes, @code{gdbserver}
20475 stays running even in the @kbd{target remote} mode.
20476
20477 When @code{gdbserver} stays running, @value{GDBN} can connect to it again later.
20478 Such reconnecting is useful for features like @ref{disconnected tracing}. For
20479 completeness, at most one @value{GDBN} can be connected at a time.
20480
20481 @cindex @option{--once}, @code{gdbserver} option
20482 By default, @code{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
20483 subsequent connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
20484 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
20485 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session. This
20486 means no further connections to @code{gdbserver} will be possible after the
20487 first one. It also means @code{gdbserver} will terminate after the first
20488 connection with remote @value{GDBN} has closed, even for unexpectedly closed
20489 connections and even in the @kbd{target extended-remote} mode. The
20490 @option{--once} option allows reusing the same port number for connecting to
20491 multiple instances of @code{gdbserver} running on the same host, since each
20492 instance closes its port after the first connection.
20493
20494 @anchor{Other Command-Line Arguments for gdbserver}
20495 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
20496
20497 You can use the @option{--multi} option to start @code{gdbserver} without
20498 specifying a program to debug or a process to attach to. Then you can
20499 attach in @code{target extended-remote} mode and run or attach to a
20500 program. For more information,
20501 @pxref{--multi Option in Types of Remote Connnections}.
20502
20503 @cindex @option{--debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
20504 The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
20505 status information about the debugging process.
20506 @cindex @option{--remote-debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
20507 The @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
20508 remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
20509 @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
20510
20511 @cindex @option{--debug-format}, @code{gdbserver} option
20512 The @option{--debug-format=option1[,option2,...]} option tells
20513 @code{gdbserver} to include additional information in each output.
20514 Possible options are:
20515
20516 @table @code
20517 @item none
20518 Turn off all extra information in debugging output.
20519 @item all
20520 Turn on all extra information in debugging output.
20521 @item timestamps
20522 Include a timestamp in each line of debugging output.
20523 @end table
20524
20525 Options are processed in order. Thus, for example, if @option{none}
20526 appears last then no additional information is added to debugging output.
20527
20528 @cindex @option{--wrapper}, @code{gdbserver} option
20529 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
20530 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
20531 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
20532 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
20533
20534 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
20535 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
20536 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
20537 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
20538
20539 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
20540 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
20541 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
20542 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
20543
20544 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
20545 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
20546 environment:
20547
20548 @smallexample
20549 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
20550 @end smallexample
20551
20552 @cindex @option{--selftest}
20553 The @option{--selftest} option runs the self tests in @code{gdbserver}:
20554
20555 @smallexample
20556 $ gdbserver --selftest
20557 Ran 2 unit tests, 0 failed
20558 @end smallexample
20559
20560 These tests are disabled in release.
20561 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
20562
20563 The basic procedure for connecting to the remote target is:
20564 @itemize
20565
20566 @item
20567 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
20568
20569 @item
20570 Make sure you have the necessary symbol files
20571 (@pxref{Host and target files}).
20572 Load symbols for your application using the @code{file} command before you
20573 connect. Use @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your
20574 @value{GDBN} was compiled with the correct sysroot using
20575 @code{--with-sysroot}).
20576
20577 @item
20578 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
20579 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
20580 the @code{target} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
20581 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
20582 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
20583 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{target remote} mode, since the
20584 program is already on the target.
20585
20586 @end itemize
20587
20588 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
20589 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
20590 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
20591
20592 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
20593 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
20594 Here are the available commands.
20595
20596 @table @code
20597 @item monitor help
20598 List the available monitor commands.
20599
20600 @item monitor set debug 0
20601 @itemx monitor set debug 1
20602 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
20603
20604 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
20605 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
20606 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
20607 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
20608
20609 @item monitor set debug-format option1@r{[},option2,...@r{]}
20610 Specify additional text to add to debugging messages.
20611 Possible options are:
20612
20613 @table @code
20614 @item none
20615 Turn off all extra information in debugging output.
20616 @item all
20617 Turn on all extra information in debugging output.
20618 @item timestamps
20619 Include a timestamp in each line of debugging output.
20620 @end table
20621
20622 Options are processed in order. Thus, for example, if @option{none}
20623 appears last then no additional information is added to debugging output.
20624
20625 @item monitor set libthread-db-search-path [PATH]
20626 @cindex gdbserver, search path for @code{libthread_db}
20627 When this command is issued, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
20628 directories to search for @code{libthread_db} (@pxref{Threads,,set
20629 libthread-db-search-path}). If you omit @var{path},
20630 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to its default value.
20631
20632 The special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path} is
20633 not supported in @code{gdbserver}.
20634
20635 @item monitor exit
20636 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
20637 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
20638 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
20639 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
20640 of a multi-process mode debug session.
20641
20642 @end table
20643
20644 @subsection Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
20645 @cindex tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
20646
20647 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints, fast
20648 tracepoints and static tracepoints.
20649
20650 For fast or static tracepoints to work, a special library called the
20651 @dfn{in-process agent} (IPA), must be loaded in the inferior process.
20652 This library is built and distributed as an integral part of
20653 @code{gdbserver}. In addition, support for static tracepoints
20654 requires building the in-process agent library with static tracepoints
20655 support. At present, the UST (LTTng Userspace Tracer,
20656 @url{http://lttng.org/ust}) tracing engine is supported. This support
20657 is automatically available if UST development headers are found in the
20658 standard include path when @code{gdbserver} is built, or if
20659 @code{gdbserver} was explicitly configured using @option{--with-ust}
20660 to point at such headers. You can explicitly disable the support
20661 using @option{--with-ust=no}.
20662
20663 There are several ways to load the in-process agent in your program:
20664
20665 @table @code
20666 @item Specifying it as dependency at link time
20667
20668 You can link your program dynamically with the in-process agent
20669 library. On most systems, this is accomplished by adding
20670 @code{-linproctrace} to the link command.
20671
20672 @item Using the system's preloading mechanisms
20673
20674 You can force loading the in-process agent at startup time by using
20675 your system's support for preloading shared libraries. Many Unixes
20676 support the concept of preloading user defined libraries. In most
20677 cases, you do that by specifying @code{LD_PRELOAD=libinproctrace.so}
20678 in the environment. See also the description of @code{gdbserver}'s
20679 @option{--wrapper} command line option.
20680
20681 @item Using @value{GDBN} to force loading the agent at run time
20682
20683 On some systems, you can force the inferior to load a shared library,
20684 by calling a dynamic loader function in the inferior that takes care
20685 of dynamically looking up and loading a shared library. On most Unix
20686 systems, the function is @code{dlopen}. You'll use the @code{call}
20687 command for that. For example:
20688
20689 @smallexample
20690 (@value{GDBP}) call dlopen ("libinproctrace.so", ...)
20691 @end smallexample
20692
20693 Note that on most Unix systems, for the @code{dlopen} function to be
20694 available, the program needs to be linked with @code{-ldl}.
20695 @end table
20696
20697 On systems that have a userspace dynamic loader, like most Unix
20698 systems, when you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target
20699 remote}, you'll find that the program is stopped at the dynamic
20700 loader's entry point, and no shared library has been loaded in the
20701 program's address space yet, including the in-process agent. In that
20702 case, before being able to use any of the fast or static tracepoints
20703 features, you need to let the loader run and load the shared
20704 libraries. The simplest way to do that is to run the program to the
20705 main procedure. E.g., if debugging a C or C@t{++} program, start
20706 @code{gdbserver} like so:
20707
20708 @smallexample
20709 $ gdbserver :9999 myprogram
20710 @end smallexample
20711
20712 Start GDB and connect to @code{gdbserver} like so, and run to main:
20713
20714 @smallexample
20715 $ gdb myprogram
20716 (@value{GDBP}) target remote myhost:9999
20717 0x00007f215893ba60 in ?? () from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
20718 (@value{GDBP}) b main
20719 (@value{GDBP}) continue
20720 @end smallexample
20721
20722 The in-process tracing agent library should now be loaded into the
20723 process; you can confirm it with the @code{info sharedlibrary}
20724 command, which will list @file{libinproctrace.so} as loaded in the
20725 process. You are now ready to install fast tracepoints, list static
20726 tracepoint markers, probe static tracepoints markers, and start
20727 tracing.
20728
20729 @node Remote Configuration
20730 @section Remote Configuration
20731
20732 @kindex set remote
20733 @kindex show remote
20734 This section documents the configuration options available when
20735 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
20736 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
20737 system-call-allowed}.
20738
20739 @table @code
20740 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
20741 @cindex address size for remote targets
20742 @cindex bits in remote address
20743 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
20744 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
20745 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
20746 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
20747
20748 @item show remoteaddresssize
20749 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
20750
20751 @item set serial baud @var{n}
20752 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
20753 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
20754 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
20755 remote targets.
20756
20757 @item show serial baud
20758 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
20759
20760 @item set serial parity @var{parity}
20761 Set the parity for the remote serial I/O. Supported values of @var{parity} are:
20762 @code{even}, @code{none}, and @code{odd}. The default is @code{none}.
20763
20764 @item show serial parity
20765 Show the current parity of the serial port.
20766
20767 @item set remotebreak
20768 @cindex interrupt remote programs
20769 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
20770 @anchor{set remotebreak}
20771 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
20772 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
20773 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
20774 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
20775 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
20776
20777 @item show remotebreak
20778 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
20779 interrupt the remote program.
20780
20781 @item set remoteflow on
20782 @itemx set remoteflow off
20783 @kindex set remoteflow
20784 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
20785 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
20786
20787 @item show remoteflow
20788 @kindex show remoteflow
20789 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
20790
20791 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
20792 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
20793 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
20794 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
20795 @code{ascii}.
20796
20797 @item show remotelogbase
20798 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
20799 protocol.
20800
20801 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
20802 @cindex record serial communications on file
20803 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
20804 default is not to record at all.
20805
20806 @item show remotelogfile.
20807 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
20808 serial communications.
20809
20810 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
20811 @cindex timeout for serial communications
20812 @cindex remote timeout
20813 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
20814 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
20815
20816 @item show remotetimeout
20817 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
20818 responses.
20819
20820 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
20821 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
20822 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
20823 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
20824 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
20825 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
20826 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
20827 watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
20828
20829 @cindex limit hardware watchpoints length
20830 @cindex remote target, limit watchpoints length
20831 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit}
20832 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit @var{limit}
20833 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} bytes for the maximum length of
20834 a remote hardware watchpoint. A limit of -1, the default, is treated
20835 as unlimited.
20836
20837 @item show remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit
20838 Show the current limit (in bytes) of the maximum length of
20839 a remote hardware watchpoint.
20840
20841 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
20842 @itemx show remote exec-file
20843 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
20844 @cindex executable file, for remote target
20845 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
20846 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
20847 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
20848 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
20849
20850 @item set remote interrupt-sequence
20851 @cindex interrupt remote programs
20852 @cindex select Ctrl-C, BREAK or BREAK-g
20853 Allow the user to select one of @samp{Ctrl-C}, a @code{BREAK} or
20854 @samp{BREAK-g} as the
20855 sequence to the remote target in order to interrupt the execution.
20856 @samp{Ctrl-C} is a default. Some system prefers @code{BREAK} which
20857 is high level of serial line for some certain time.
20858 Linux kernel prefers @samp{BREAK-g}, a.k.a Magic SysRq g.
20859 It is @code{BREAK} signal followed by character @code{g}.
20860
20861 @item show interrupt-sequence
20862 Show which of @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or @code{BREAK-g}
20863 is sent by @value{GDBN} to interrupt the remote program.
20864 @code{BREAK-g} is BREAK signal followed by @code{g} and
20865 also known as Magic SysRq g.
20866
20867 @item set remote interrupt-on-connect
20868 @cindex send interrupt-sequence on start
20869 Specify whether interrupt-sequence is sent to remote target when
20870 @value{GDBN} connects to it. This is mostly needed when you debug
20871 Linux kernel. Linux kernel expects @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}
20872 which is known as Magic SysRq g in order to connect @value{GDBN}.
20873
20874 @item show interrupt-on-connect
20875 Show whether interrupt-sequence is sent
20876 to remote target when @value{GDBN} connects to it.
20877
20878 @kindex set tcp
20879 @kindex show tcp
20880 @item set tcp auto-retry on
20881 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
20882 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
20883 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
20884 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
20885 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
20886 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
20887 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
20888 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
20889
20890 @item set tcp auto-retry off
20891 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
20892
20893 @item show tcp auto-retry
20894 Show the current auto-retry setting.
20895
20896 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
20897 @itemx set tcp connect-timeout unlimited
20898 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
20899 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
20900 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
20901 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
20902 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
20903 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
20904 value. If @var{seconds} is @code{unlimited}, there is no timeout and
20905 @value{GDBN} will keep attempting to establish a connection forever,
20906 unless interrupted with @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The default is 15 seconds.
20907
20908 @item show tcp connect-timeout
20909 Show the current connection timeout setting.
20910 @end table
20911
20912 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
20913 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
20914 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
20915 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
20916 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
20917 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
20918 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
20919 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
20920 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
20921
20922 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
20923 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
20924 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
20925 @value{GDBN} developers.
20926
20927 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
20928 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
20929 are:
20930
20931 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
20932 @item Command Name
20933 @tab Remote Packet
20934 @tab Related Features
20935
20936 @item @code{fetch-register}
20937 @tab @code{p}
20938 @tab @code{info registers}
20939
20940 @item @code{set-register}
20941 @tab @code{P}
20942 @tab @code{set}
20943
20944 @item @code{binary-download}
20945 @tab @code{X}
20946 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
20947
20948 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
20949 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
20950 @tab @code{info auxv}
20951
20952 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
20953 @tab @code{qSymbol}
20954 @tab Detecting multiple threads
20955
20956 @item @code{attach}
20957 @tab @code{vAttach}
20958 @tab @code{attach}
20959
20960 @item @code{verbose-resume}
20961 @tab @code{vCont}
20962 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
20963
20964 @item @code{run}
20965 @tab @code{vRun}
20966 @tab @code{run}
20967
20968 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
20969 @tab @code{Z0}
20970 @tab @code{break}
20971
20972 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
20973 @tab @code{Z1}
20974 @tab @code{hbreak}
20975
20976 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
20977 @tab @code{Z2}
20978 @tab @code{watch}
20979
20980 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
20981 @tab @code{Z3}
20982 @tab @code{rwatch}
20983
20984 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
20985 @tab @code{Z4}
20986 @tab @code{awatch}
20987
20988 @item @code{pid-to-exec-file}
20989 @tab @code{qXfer:exec-file:read}
20990 @tab @code{attach}, @code{run}
20991
20992 @item @code{target-features}
20993 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
20994 @tab @code{set architecture}
20995
20996 @item @code{library-info}
20997 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
20998 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
20999
21000 @item @code{memory-map}
21001 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
21002 @tab @code{info mem}
21003
21004 @item @code{read-sdata-object}
21005 @tab @code{qXfer:sdata:read}
21006 @tab @code{print $_sdata}
21007
21008 @item @code{read-spu-object}
21009 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
21010 @tab @code{info spu}
21011
21012 @item @code{write-spu-object}
21013 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
21014 @tab @code{info spu}
21015
21016 @item @code{read-siginfo-object}
21017 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
21018 @tab @code{print $_siginfo}
21019
21020 @item @code{write-siginfo-object}
21021 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
21022 @tab @code{set $_siginfo}
21023
21024 @item @code{threads}
21025 @tab @code{qXfer:threads:read}
21026 @tab @code{info threads}
21027
21028 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
21029 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
21030 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
21031
21032 @item @code{get-thread-information-block-address}
21033 @tab @code{qGetTIBAddr}
21034 @tab Display MS-Windows Thread Information Block.
21035
21036 @item @code{search-memory}
21037 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
21038 @tab @code{find}
21039
21040 @item @code{supported-packets}
21041 @tab @code{qSupported}
21042 @tab Remote communications parameters
21043
21044 @item @code{catch-syscalls}
21045 @tab @code{QCatchSyscalls}
21046 @tab @code{catch syscall}
21047
21048 @item @code{pass-signals}
21049 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
21050 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
21051
21052 @item @code{program-signals}
21053 @tab @code{QProgramSignals}
21054 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
21055
21056 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
21057 @tab @code{vFile:close}
21058 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
21059
21060 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
21061 @tab @code{vFile:open}
21062 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
21063
21064 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
21065 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
21066 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
21067
21068 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
21069 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
21070 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
21071
21072 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
21073 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
21074 @tab @code{remote delete}
21075
21076 @item @code{hostio-readlink-packet}
21077 @tab @code{vFile:readlink}
21078 @tab Host I/O
21079
21080 @item @code{hostio-fstat-packet}
21081 @tab @code{vFile:fstat}
21082 @tab Host I/O
21083
21084 @item @code{hostio-setfs-packet}
21085 @tab @code{vFile:setfs}
21086 @tab Host I/O
21087
21088 @item @code{noack-packet}
21089 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
21090 @tab Packet acknowledgment
21091
21092 @item @code{osdata}
21093 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
21094 @tab @code{info os}
21095
21096 @item @code{query-attached}
21097 @tab @code{qAttached}
21098 @tab Querying remote process attach state.
21099
21100 @item @code{trace-buffer-size}
21101 @tab @code{QTBuffer:size}
21102 @tab @code{set trace-buffer-size}
21103
21104 @item @code{trace-status}
21105 @tab @code{qTStatus}
21106 @tab @code{tstatus}
21107
21108 @item @code{traceframe-info}
21109 @tab @code{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
21110 @tab Traceframe info
21111
21112 @item @code{install-in-trace}
21113 @tab @code{InstallInTrace}
21114 @tab Install tracepoint in tracing
21115
21116 @item @code{disable-randomization}
21117 @tab @code{QDisableRandomization}
21118 @tab @code{set disable-randomization}
21119
21120 @item @code{startup-with-shell}
21121 @tab @code{QStartupWithShell}
21122 @tab @code{set startup-with-shell}
21123
21124 @item @code{environment-hex-encoded}
21125 @tab @code{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}
21126 @tab @code{set environment}
21127
21128 @item @code{environment-unset}
21129 @tab @code{QEnvironmentUnset}
21130 @tab @code{unset environment}
21131
21132 @item @code{environment-reset}
21133 @tab @code{QEnvironmentReset}
21134 @tab @code{Reset the inferior environment (i.e., unset user-set variables)}
21135
21136 @item @code{set-working-dir}
21137 @tab @code{QSetWorkingDir}
21138 @tab @code{set cwd}
21139
21140 @item @code{conditional-breakpoints-packet}
21141 @tab @code{Z0 and Z1}
21142 @tab @code{Support for target-side breakpoint condition evaluation}
21143
21144 @item @code{multiprocess-extensions}
21145 @tab @code{multiprocess extensions}
21146 @tab Debug multiple processes and remote process PID awareness
21147
21148 @item @code{swbreak-feature}
21149 @tab @code{swbreak stop reason}
21150 @tab @code{break}
21151
21152 @item @code{hwbreak-feature}
21153 @tab @code{hwbreak stop reason}
21154 @tab @code{hbreak}
21155
21156 @item @code{fork-event-feature}
21157 @tab @code{fork stop reason}
21158 @tab @code{fork}
21159
21160 @item @code{vfork-event-feature}
21161 @tab @code{vfork stop reason}
21162 @tab @code{vfork}
21163
21164 @item @code{exec-event-feature}
21165 @tab @code{exec stop reason}
21166 @tab @code{exec}
21167
21168 @item @code{thread-events}
21169 @tab @code{QThreadEvents}
21170 @tab Tracking thread lifetime.
21171
21172 @item @code{no-resumed-stop-reply}
21173 @tab @code{no resumed thread left stop reply}
21174 @tab Tracking thread lifetime.
21175
21176 @end multitable
21177
21178 @node Remote Stub
21179 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
21180
21181 @cindex debugging stub, example
21182 @cindex remote stub, example
21183 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
21184 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
21185 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
21186 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
21187 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
21188 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
21189 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
21190 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
21191
21192 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
21193 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
21194 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
21195 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
21196 program, you need:
21197
21198 @enumerate
21199 @item
21200 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
21201 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
21202 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
21203
21204 @item
21205 A C subroutine library to support your program's
21206 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
21207
21208 @item
21209 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
21210 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
21211 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
21212 documentation.
21213 @end enumerate
21214
21215 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
21216 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
21217 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
21218
21219 @table @emph
21220 @item On the host,
21221 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
21222 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
21223 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
21224
21225 @item On the target,
21226 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
21227 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
21228 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
21229
21230 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
21231 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
21232 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
21233 @end table
21234
21235 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
21236 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
21237 @sc{sparc} boards.
21238
21239 @cindex remote serial stub list
21240 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
21241
21242 @table @code
21243
21244 @item i386-stub.c
21245 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
21246 @cindex Intel
21247 @cindex i386
21248 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
21249
21250 @item m68k-stub.c
21251 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
21252 @cindex Motorola 680x0
21253 @cindex m680x0
21254 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
21255
21256 @item sh-stub.c
21257 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
21258 @cindex Renesas
21259 @cindex SH
21260 For Renesas SH architectures.
21261
21262 @item sparc-stub.c
21263 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
21264 @cindex Sparc
21265 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
21266
21267 @item sparcl-stub.c
21268 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
21269 @cindex Fujitsu
21270 @cindex SparcLite
21271 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
21272
21273 @end table
21274
21275 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
21276 recently added stubs.
21277
21278 @menu
21279 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
21280 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
21281 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
21282 @end menu
21283
21284 @node Stub Contents
21285 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
21286
21287 @cindex remote serial stub
21288 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
21289 subroutines:
21290
21291 @table @code
21292 @item set_debug_traps
21293 @findex set_debug_traps
21294 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
21295 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
21296 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly in your
21297 program's startup code.
21298
21299 @item handle_exception
21300 @findex handle_exception
21301 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
21302 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
21303 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
21304 run when a trap is triggered.
21305
21306 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
21307 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
21308 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
21309 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
21310 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
21311 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
21312 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
21313 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
21314 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
21315 machine.
21316
21317 @item breakpoint
21318 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
21319 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
21320 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
21321 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
21322 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
21323 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
21324 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
21325 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
21326 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
21327 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
21328 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
21329
21330 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
21331 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
21332 start of your debugging session.
21333 @end table
21334
21335 @node Bootstrapping
21336 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
21337
21338 @cindex remote stub, support routines
21339 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
21340 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
21341 debugging target machine.
21342
21343 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
21344 serial port.
21345
21346 @table @code
21347 @item int getDebugChar()
21348 @findex getDebugChar
21349 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
21350 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
21351 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
21352
21353 @item void putDebugChar(int)
21354 @findex putDebugChar
21355 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
21356 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
21357 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
21358 @end table
21359
21360 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
21361 @cindex interrupting remote targets
21362 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
21363 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
21364 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
21365 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
21366 remote system to stop.
21367
21368 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
21369 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
21370 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
21371 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
21372
21373 Other routines you need to supply are:
21374
21375 @table @code
21376 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
21377 @findex exceptionHandler
21378 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
21379 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
21380 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
21381 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
21382 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
21383 The @var{exception_number} specifies the exception which should be changed;
21384 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
21385 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
21386 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
21387 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
21388 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
21389 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
21390 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
21391
21392 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
21393 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
21394 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
21395 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
21396 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
21397
21398 @item void flush_i_cache()
21399 @findex flush_i_cache
21400 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
21401 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
21402 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
21403
21404 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
21405 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
21406 @end table
21407
21408 @noindent
21409 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
21410
21411 @table @code
21412 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
21413 @findex memset
21414 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
21415 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
21416 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
21417 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
21418 @end table
21419
21420 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
21421 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
21422 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
21423 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
21424
21425
21426 @node Debug Session
21427 @subsection Putting it All Together
21428
21429 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
21430 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
21431 steps.
21432
21433 @enumerate
21434 @item
21435 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
21436 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
21437 @display
21438 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
21439 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
21440 @end display
21441
21442 @item
21443 Insert these lines in your program's startup code, before the main
21444 procedure is called:
21445
21446 @smallexample
21447 set_debug_traps();
21448 breakpoint();
21449 @end smallexample
21450
21451 On some machines, when a breakpoint trap is raised, the hardware
21452 automatically makes the PC point to the instruction after the
21453 breakpoint. If your machine doesn't do that, you may need to adjust
21454 @code{handle_exception} to arrange for it to return to the instruction
21455 after the breakpoint on this first invocation, so that your program
21456 doesn't keep hitting the initial breakpoint instead of making
21457 progress.
21458
21459 @item
21460 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
21461 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
21462
21463 @smallexample
21464 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
21465 @end smallexample
21466
21467 @noindent
21468 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
21469 function in your program, that function is called when
21470 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
21471 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
21472 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
21473
21474 @item
21475 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
21476 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
21477
21478 @item
21479 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
21480 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
21481
21482 @item
21483 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
21484 @c document that. FIXME.
21485 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
21486 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
21487
21488 @item
21489 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
21490 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
21491
21492 @end enumerate
21493
21494 @node Configurations
21495 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
21496
21497 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
21498 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
21499 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
21500
21501 There are three major categories of configurations: native
21502 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
21503 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
21504 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
21505 are quite different from each other.
21506
21507 @menu
21508 * Native::
21509 * Embedded OS::
21510 * Embedded Processors::
21511 * Architectures::
21512 @end menu
21513
21514 @node Native
21515 @section Native
21516
21517 This section describes details specific to particular native
21518 configurations.
21519
21520 @menu
21521 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
21522 * SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
21523 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
21524 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
21525 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
21526 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
21527 @end menu
21528
21529 @node BSD libkvm Interface
21530 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
21531
21532 @cindex libkvm
21533 @cindex kernel memory image
21534 @cindex kernel crash dump
21535
21536 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
21537 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
21538 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
21539 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
21540 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
21541 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
21542 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
21543 @code{kvm} target:
21544
21545 @smallexample
21546 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
21547 @end smallexample
21548
21549 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
21550 argument:
21551
21552 @smallexample
21553 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
21554 @end smallexample
21555
21556 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
21557 available:
21558
21559 @table @code
21560 @kindex kvm
21561 @item kvm pcb
21562 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
21563
21564 @item kvm proc
21565 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
21566 modern FreeBSD systems.
21567 @end table
21568
21569 @node SVR4 Process Information
21570 @subsection SVR4 Process Information
21571 @cindex /proc
21572 @cindex examine process image
21573 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
21574
21575 Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
21576 @samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
21577 process using file-system subroutines.
21578
21579 If @value{GDBN} is configured for an operating system with this
21580 facility, the command @code{info proc} is available to report
21581 information about the process running your program, or about any
21582 process running on your system. This includes, as of this writing,
21583 @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris, for example.
21584
21585 This command may also work on core files that were created on a system
21586 that has the @samp{/proc} facility.
21587
21588 @table @code
21589 @kindex info proc
21590 @cindex process ID
21591 @item info proc
21592 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
21593 Summarize available information about any running process. If a
21594 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
21595 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
21596 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
21597 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
21598 executable file's absolute file name.
21599
21600 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
21601 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
21602 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
21603 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
21604 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
21605 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
21606
21607 @item info proc cmdline
21608 @cindex info proc cmdline
21609 Show the original command line of the process. This command is
21610 specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
21611
21612 @item info proc cwd
21613 @cindex info proc cwd
21614 Show the current working directory of the process. This command is
21615 specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
21616
21617 @item info proc exe
21618 @cindex info proc exe
21619 Show the name of executable of the process. This command is specific
21620 to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
21621
21622 @item info proc mappings
21623 @cindex memory address space mappings
21624 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
21625 information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
21626 rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
21627 includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
21628 memory access rights to that range.
21629
21630 @item info proc stat
21631 @itemx info proc status
21632 @cindex process detailed status information
21633 These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
21634 the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
21635 how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
21636 the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
21637 consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
21638 value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
21639 (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
21640
21641 @item info proc all
21642 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
21643 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
21644
21645 @ignore
21646 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
21647 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
21648 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
21649 @kindex info proc times
21650 @item info proc times
21651 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
21652 its children.
21653
21654 @kindex info proc id
21655 @item info proc id
21656 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
21657 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
21658 @end ignore
21659
21660 @item set procfs-trace
21661 @kindex set procfs-trace
21662 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
21663 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
21664
21665 @item show procfs-trace
21666 @kindex show procfs-trace
21667 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
21668
21669 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
21670 @kindex set procfs-file
21671 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
21672 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
21673 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
21674 standard output.
21675
21676 @item show procfs-file
21677 @kindex show procfs-file
21678 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
21679
21680 @item proc-trace-entry
21681 @itemx proc-trace-exit
21682 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
21683 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
21684 @kindex proc-trace-entry
21685 @kindex proc-trace-exit
21686 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
21687 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
21688 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
21689 from the @code{syscall} interface.
21690
21691 @item info pidlist
21692 @kindex info pidlist
21693 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
21694 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
21695 processes and all the threads within each process.
21696
21697 @item info meminfo
21698 @kindex info meminfo
21699 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
21700 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
21701 @end table
21702
21703 @node DJGPP Native
21704 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
21705 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
21706 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
21707 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
21708
21709 @cindex DPMI
21710 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
21711 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
21712 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
21713 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
21714
21715 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
21716 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
21717 subsection describes those commands.
21718
21719 @table @code
21720 @kindex info dos
21721 @item info dos
21722 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
21723 information about the target system and important OS structures.
21724
21725 @kindex sysinfo
21726 @cindex MS-DOS system info
21727 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
21728 @item info dos sysinfo
21729 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
21730 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
21731 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
21732
21733 @cindex GDT
21734 @cindex LDT
21735 @cindex IDT
21736 @cindex segment descriptor tables
21737 @cindex descriptor tables display
21738 @item info dos gdt
21739 @itemx info dos ldt
21740 @itemx info dos idt
21741 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
21742 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
21743 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
21744 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
21745 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
21746 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
21747 rights.
21748
21749 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
21750 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
21751 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
21752 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
21753 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
21754
21755 @cindex garbled pointers
21756 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
21757 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
21758 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
21759 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
21760 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
21761 debugged program's data segment:
21762
21763 @smallexample
21764 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
21765 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
21766 @end smallexample
21767
21768 @noindent
21769 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
21770 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
21771
21772 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
21773 @item info dos pde
21774 @itemx info dos pte
21775 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
21776 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
21777 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
21778 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
21779 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
21780 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
21781 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
21782 that is currently in use.
21783
21784 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
21785 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
21786 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
21787 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
21788 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
21789 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
21790 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
21791
21792 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
21793 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
21794 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
21795 controller.
21796
21797 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
21798
21799 @cindex physical address from linear address
21800 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
21801 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
21802 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
21803 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
21804 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
21805 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
21806 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
21807
21808 @smallexample
21809 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
21810 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
21811 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
21812 @end smallexample
21813
21814 @noindent
21815 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
21816 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
21817 attributes of that page.
21818
21819 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
21820 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
21821 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
21822 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
21823 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
21824 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
21825
21826 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
21827 transfer buffer:
21828
21829 @smallexample
21830 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
21831 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
21832 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
21833 @end smallexample
21834
21835 @noindent
21836 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
21837 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
21838 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
21839 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
21840 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
21841
21842 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
21843 @end table
21844
21845 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
21846 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
21847 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
21848 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
21849
21850 @table @code
21851 @kindex set com1base
21852 @kindex set com1irq
21853 @kindex set com2base
21854 @kindex set com2irq
21855 @kindex set com3base
21856 @kindex set com3irq
21857 @kindex set com4base
21858 @kindex set com4irq
21859 @item set com1base @var{addr}
21860 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
21861 port.
21862
21863 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
21864 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
21865 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
21866
21867 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
21868 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
21869 other 3 COM ports.
21870
21871 @kindex show com1base
21872 @kindex show com1irq
21873 @kindex show com2base
21874 @kindex show com2irq
21875 @kindex show com3base
21876 @kindex show com3irq
21877 @kindex show com4base
21878 @kindex show com4irq
21879 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
21880 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
21881 lines used by the COM ports.
21882
21883 @item info serial
21884 @kindex info serial
21885 @cindex DOS serial port status
21886 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
21887 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
21888 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
21889 counts of various errors encountered so far.
21890 @end table
21891
21892
21893 @node Cygwin Native
21894 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
21895 @cindex MS Windows debugging
21896 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
21897 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
21898
21899 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
21900 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information.
21901
21902 @cindex Ctrl-BREAK, MS-Windows
21903 @cindex interrupt debuggee on MS-Windows
21904 MS-Windows programs that call @code{SetConsoleMode} to switch off the
21905 special meaning of the @samp{Ctrl-C} keystroke cannot be interrupted
21906 by typing @kbd{C-c}. For this reason, @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows
21907 supports @kbd{C-@key{BREAK}} as an alternative interrupt key
21908 sequence, which can be used to interrupt the debuggee even if it
21909 ignores @kbd{C-c}.
21910
21911 There are various additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in
21912 this section. Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is
21913 described in @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
21914
21915 @table @code
21916 @kindex info w32
21917 @item info w32
21918 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
21919 information about the target system and important OS structures.
21920
21921 @item info w32 selector
21922 This command displays information returned by
21923 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
21924 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
21925 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
21926 Without argument, this command displays information
21927 about the six segment registers.
21928
21929 @item info w32 thread-information-block
21930 This command displays thread specific information stored in the
21931 Thread Information Block (readable on the X86 CPU family using @code{$fs}
21932 selector for 32-bit programs and @code{$gs} for 64-bit programs).
21933
21934 @kindex signal-event
21935 @item signal-event @var{id}
21936 This command signals an event with user-provided @var{id}. Used to resume
21937 crashing process when attached to it using MS-Windows JIT debugging (AeDebug).
21938
21939 To use it, create or edit the following keys in
21940 @code{HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AeDebug} and/or
21941 @code{HKLM\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AeDebug}
21942 (for x86_64 versions):
21943
21944 @itemize @minus
21945 @item
21946 @code{Debugger} (REG_SZ) --- a command to launch the debugger.
21947 Suggested command is: @code{@var{fully-qualified-path-to-gdb.exe} -ex
21948 "attach %ld" -ex "signal-event %ld" -ex "continue"}.
21949
21950 The first @code{%ld} will be replaced by the process ID of the
21951 crashing process, the second @code{%ld} will be replaced by the ID of
21952 the event that blocks the crashing process, waiting for @value{GDBN}
21953 to attach.
21954
21955 @item
21956 @code{Auto} (REG_SZ) --- either @code{1} or @code{0}. @code{1} will
21957 make the system run debugger specified by the Debugger key
21958 automatically, @code{0} will cause a dialog box with ``OK'' and
21959 ``Cancel'' buttons to appear, which allows the user to either
21960 terminate the crashing process (OK) or debug it (Cancel).
21961 @end itemize
21962
21963 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
21964 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
21965 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
21966 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
21967 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
21968 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
21969 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
21970 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
21971 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
21972 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
21973 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
21974
21975 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
21976 @item show cygwin-exceptions
21977 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
21978 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
21979
21980 @kindex set new-console
21981 @item set new-console @var{mode}
21982 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
21983 be started in a new console on next start.
21984 If @var{mode} is @code{off}, the debuggee will
21985 be started in the same console as the debugger.
21986
21987 @kindex show new-console
21988 @item show new-console
21989 Displays whether a new console is used
21990 when the debuggee is started.
21991
21992 @kindex set new-group
21993 @item set new-group @var{mode}
21994 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
21995 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
21996 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
21997 @samp{Ctrl-C}.
21998
21999 @kindex show new-group
22000 @item show new-group
22001 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
22002
22003 @kindex set debugevents
22004 @item set debugevents
22005 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
22006 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
22007 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
22008 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
22009 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
22010
22011 @kindex set debugexec
22012 @item set debugexec
22013 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
22014 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
22015
22016 @kindex set debugexceptions
22017 @item set debugexceptions
22018 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
22019 debuggee seen by the debugger.
22020
22021 @kindex set debugmemory
22022 @item set debugmemory
22023 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
22024 and writes by the debugger.
22025
22026 @kindex set shell
22027 @item set shell
22028 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
22029 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
22030
22031 @kindex show shell
22032 @item show shell
22033 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
22034
22035 @end table
22036
22037 @menu
22038 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
22039 @end menu
22040
22041 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
22042 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
22043 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
22044 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
22045
22046 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
22047 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
22048 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
22049 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
22050 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
22051 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
22052 ``minimal symbols''.
22053
22054 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
22055 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
22056 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
22057 program run once to completion.
22058
22059 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
22060
22061 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
22062 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
22063 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
22064 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
22065 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
22066 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
22067 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
22068 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
22069 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
22070
22071 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
22072 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
22073 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
22074 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
22075 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
22076 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
22077
22078 @smallexample
22079 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
22080 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
22081
22082 Non-debugging symbols:
22083 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
22084 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
22085 @end smallexample
22086
22087 @smallexample
22088 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
22089 All functions matching regular expression "!":
22090
22091 Non-debugging symbols:
22092 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
22093 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
22094 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
22095 [etc...]
22096 @end smallexample
22097
22098 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
22099
22100 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
22101 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
22102 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
22103 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
22104 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
22105 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
22106 a function within a DLL without a running program.
22107
22108 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
22109 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
22110 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
22111 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
22112 problem:
22113
22114 @smallexample
22115 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
22116 'cygwin1!__argv' has unknown type; cast it to its declared type
22117 @end smallexample
22118
22119 @smallexample
22120 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
22121 'cygwin1!__argv' has unknown type; cast it to its declared type
22122 @end smallexample
22123
22124 And two possible solutions:
22125
22126 @smallexample
22127 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
22128 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
22129 @end smallexample
22130
22131 @smallexample
22132 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
22133 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
22134 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
22135 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
22136 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
22137 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
22138 @end smallexample
22139
22140 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
22141 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
22142 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
22143 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
22144 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
22145
22146 @smallexample
22147 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
22148 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
22149 @end smallexample
22150
22151 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
22152 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
22153 safe.
22154
22155 @node Hurd Native
22156 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
22157 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
22158
22159 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
22160 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
22161
22162 @table @code
22163 @item set signals
22164 @itemx set sigs
22165 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
22166 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
22167 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
22168 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
22169 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
22170 @code{signals}.
22171
22172 @item show signals
22173 @itemx show sigs
22174 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
22175 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
22176 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
22177
22178 @item set signal-thread
22179 @itemx set sigthread
22180 @kindex set signal-thread
22181 @kindex set sigthread
22182 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
22183 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
22184 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
22185 signal-thread}.
22186
22187 @item show signal-thread
22188 @itemx show sigthread
22189 @kindex show signal-thread
22190 @kindex show sigthread
22191 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
22192 delivered a signal.
22193
22194 @item set stopped
22195 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
22196 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
22197 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
22198 continued by delivering a signal to it.
22199
22200 @item show stopped
22201 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
22202 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
22203 stopped.
22204
22205 @item set exceptions
22206 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
22207 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
22208 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
22209 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
22210 trapping on.
22211
22212 @item show exceptions
22213 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
22214 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
22215
22216 @item set task pause
22217 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
22218 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
22219 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
22220 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
22221 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
22222 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
22223 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
22224 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
22225 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
22226
22227 @item show task pause
22228 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
22229 Show the current state of task suspension.
22230
22231 @item set task detach-suspend-count
22232 @cindex task suspend count
22233 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22234 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
22235 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
22236
22237 @item show task detach-suspend-count
22238 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
22239
22240 @item set task exception-port
22241 @itemx set task excp
22242 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22243 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
22244 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
22245 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
22246
22247 @item set noninvasive
22248 @cindex noninvasive task options
22249 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
22250 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
22251 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
22252 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
22253
22254 @item info send-rights
22255 @itemx info receive-rights
22256 @itemx info port-rights
22257 @itemx info port-sets
22258 @itemx info dead-names
22259 @itemx info ports
22260 @itemx info psets
22261 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22262 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22263 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22264 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22265 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22266 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
22267 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
22268 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
22269 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
22270
22271 @item set thread pause
22272 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
22273 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22274 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
22275 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
22276 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
22277 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
22278 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
22279 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
22280 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
22281 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
22282 only the current thread.
22283
22284 @item show thread pause
22285 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
22286 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
22287
22288 @item set thread run
22289 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
22290
22291 @item show thread run
22292 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
22293
22294 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
22295 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22296 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22297 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
22298 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
22299 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
22300 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
22301
22302 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
22303 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
22304 detaching.
22305
22306 @item set thread exception-port
22307 @itemx set thread excp
22308 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
22309 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
22310 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
22311
22312 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
22313 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
22314 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
22315 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
22316
22317 @item set thread default
22318 @itemx show thread default
22319 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22320 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
22321 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
22322 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
22323 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
22324 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
22325 the non-default commands.
22326 @end table
22327
22328 @node Darwin
22329 @subsection Darwin
22330 @cindex Darwin
22331
22332 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
22333
22334 @table @code
22335 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
22336 @kindex set debug darwin
22337 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
22338 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
22339
22340 @item show debug darwin
22341 @kindex show debug darwin
22342 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
22343
22344 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
22345 @kindex set debug mach-o
22346 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
22347 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
22348 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
22349 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
22350 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
22351 usage.
22352
22353 @item show debug mach-o
22354 @kindex show debug mach-o
22355 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
22356
22357 @item set mach-exceptions on
22358 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
22359 @kindex set mach-exceptions
22360 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
22361 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
22362 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
22363 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
22364
22365 @item show mach-exceptions
22366 @kindex show mach-exceptions
22367 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
22368 @end table
22369
22370
22371 @node Embedded OS
22372 @section Embedded Operating Systems
22373
22374 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
22375 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
22376 architectures.
22377
22378 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
22379 various real-time operating systems.
22380
22381 @node Embedded Processors
22382 @section Embedded Processors
22383
22384 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
22385 configurations.
22386
22387 @cindex send command to simulator
22388 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
22389 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
22390
22391 @table @code
22392 @item sim @var{command}
22393 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
22394 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
22395 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
22396 acceptable commands.
22397 @end table
22398
22399
22400 @menu
22401 * ARC:: Synopsys ARC
22402 * ARM:: ARM
22403 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
22404 * MicroBlaze:: Xilinx MicroBlaze
22405 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
22406 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
22407 * AVR:: Atmel AVR
22408 * CRIS:: CRIS
22409 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
22410 @end menu
22411
22412 @node ARC
22413 @subsection Synopsys ARC
22414 @cindex Synopsys ARC
22415 @cindex ARC specific commands
22416 @cindex ARC600
22417 @cindex ARC700
22418 @cindex ARC EM
22419 @cindex ARC HS
22420
22421 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARC-specific commands:
22422
22423 @table @code
22424 @item set debug arc
22425 @kindex set debug arc
22426 Control the level of ARC specific debug messages. Use 0 for no messages (the
22427 default), 1 for debug messages, and 2 for even more debug messages.
22428
22429 @item show debug arc
22430 @kindex show debug arc
22431 Show the level of ARC specific debugging in operation.
22432
22433 @item maint print arc arc-instruction @var{address}
22434 @kindex maint print arc arc-instruction
22435 Print internal disassembler information about instruction at a given address.
22436
22437 @end table
22438
22439 @node ARM
22440 @subsection ARM
22441
22442 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
22443
22444 @table @code
22445 @item set arm disassembler
22446 @kindex set arm
22447 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
22448 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
22449
22450 @item show arm disassembler
22451 @kindex show arm
22452 Show the current disassembly style.
22453
22454 @item set arm apcs32
22455 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
22456 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
22457
22458 @item show arm apcs32
22459 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
22460
22461 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
22462 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
22463 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
22464
22465 @table @code
22466 @item auto
22467 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
22468 @item softfpa
22469 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
22470 processors.
22471 @item fpa
22472 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
22473 @item softvfp
22474 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
22475 @item vfp
22476 VFP co-processor.
22477 @end table
22478
22479 @item show arm fpu
22480 Show the current type of the FPU.
22481
22482 @item set arm abi
22483 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
22484
22485 @item show arm abi
22486 Show the currently used ABI.
22487
22488 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
22489 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
22490 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
22491 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
22492 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
22493 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
22494 register).
22495
22496 @item show arm fallback-mode
22497 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
22498
22499 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
22500 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
22501 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
22502 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
22503 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
22504
22505 @item show arm force-mode
22506 Show the current forced instruction mode.
22507
22508 @item set debug arm
22509 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
22510 target support subsystem.
22511
22512 @item show debug arm
22513 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
22514 @end table
22515
22516 @table @code
22517 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
22518 The @value{GDBN} ARM simulator accepts the following optional arguments.
22519
22520 @table @code
22521 @item --swi-support=@var{type}
22522 Tell the simulator which SWI interfaces to support. The argument
22523 @var{type} may be a comma separated list of the following values.
22524 The default value is @code{all}.
22525
22526 @table @code
22527 @item none
22528 @item demon
22529 @item angel
22530 @item redboot
22531 @item all
22532 @end table
22533 @end table
22534 @end table
22535
22536 @node M68K
22537 @subsection M68k
22538
22539 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support.
22540
22541 @node MicroBlaze
22542 @subsection MicroBlaze
22543 @cindex Xilinx MicroBlaze
22544 @cindex XMD, Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger
22545
22546 The MicroBlaze is a soft-core processor supported on various Xilinx
22547 FPGAs, such as Spartan or Virtex series. Boards with these processors
22548 usually have JTAG ports which connect to a host system running the Xilinx
22549 Embedded Development Kit (EDK) or Software Development Kit (SDK).
22550 This host system is used to download the configuration bitstream to
22551 the target FPGA. The Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger (XMD) program
22552 communicates with the target board using the JTAG interface and
22553 presents a @code{gdbserver} interface to the board. By default
22554 @code{xmd} uses port @code{1234}. (While it is possible to change
22555 this default port, it requires the use of undocumented @code{xmd}
22556 commands. Contact Xilinx support if you need to do this.)
22557
22558 Use these GDB commands to connect to the MicroBlaze target processor.
22559
22560 @table @code
22561 @item target remote :1234
22562 Use this command to connect to the target if you are running @value{GDBN}
22563 on the same system as @code{xmd}.
22564
22565 @item target remote @var{xmd-host}:1234
22566 Use this command to connect to the target if it is connected to @code{xmd}
22567 running on a different system named @var{xmd-host}.
22568
22569 @item load
22570 Use this command to download a program to the MicroBlaze target.
22571
22572 @item set debug microblaze @var{n}
22573 Enable MicroBlaze-specific debugging messages if non-zero.
22574
22575 @item show debug microblaze @var{n}
22576 Show MicroBlaze-specific debugging level.
22577 @end table
22578
22579 @node MIPS Embedded
22580 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Embedded
22581
22582 @noindent
22583 @value{GDBN} supports these special commands for @acronym{MIPS} targets:
22584
22585 @table @code
22586 @item set mipsfpu double
22587 @itemx set mipsfpu single
22588 @itemx set mipsfpu none
22589 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
22590 @itemx show mipsfpu
22591 @kindex set mipsfpu
22592 @kindex show mipsfpu
22593 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} remote floating point
22594 @cindex floating point, @acronym{MIPS} remote
22595 If your target board does not support the @acronym{MIPS} floating point
22596 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
22597 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
22598 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
22599 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
22600 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
22601 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
22602 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
22603 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
22604 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
22605 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
22606
22607 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
22608 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
22609 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
22610
22611 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
22612 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
22613 @end table
22614
22615 @node PowerPC Embedded
22616 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
22617
22618 @cindex DVC register
22619 @value{GDBN} supports using the DVC (Data Value Compare) register to
22620 implement in hardware simple hardware watchpoint conditions of the form:
22621
22622 @smallexample
22623 (@value{GDBP}) watch @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} \
22624 if @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} == @var{CONSTANT EXPRESSION}
22625 @end smallexample
22626
22627 The DVC register will be automatically used when @value{GDBN} detects
22628 such pattern in a condition expression, and the created watchpoint uses one
22629 debug register (either the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on and the
22630 variable is scalar, or the variable has a length of one byte). This feature
22631 is available in native @value{GDBN} running on a Linux kernel version 2.6.34
22632 or newer.
22633
22634 When running on PowerPC embedded processors, @value{GDBN} automatically uses
22635 ranged hardware watchpoints, unless the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on,
22636 in which case watchpoints using only one debug register are created when
22637 watching variables of scalar types.
22638
22639 You can create an artificial array to watch an arbitrary memory
22640 region using one of the following commands (@pxref{Expressions}):
22641
22642 @smallexample
22643 (@value{GDBP}) watch *((char *) @var{address})@@@var{length}
22644 (@value{GDBP}) watch @{char[@var{length}]@} @var{address}
22645 @end smallexample
22646
22647 PowerPC embedded processors support masked watchpoints. See the discussion
22648 about the @code{mask} argument in @ref{Set Watchpoints}.
22649
22650 @cindex ranged breakpoint
22651 PowerPC embedded processors support hardware accelerated
22652 @dfn{ranged breakpoints}. A ranged breakpoint stops execution of
22653 the inferior whenever it executes an instruction at any address within
22654 the range it specifies. To set a ranged breakpoint in @value{GDBN},
22655 use the @code{break-range} command.
22656
22657 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
22658
22659 @table @code
22660 @kindex break-range
22661 @item break-range @var{start-location}, @var{end-location}
22662 Set a breakpoint for an address range given by
22663 @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}, which can specify a function name,
22664 a line number, an offset of lines from the current line or from the start
22665 location, or an address of an instruction (see @ref{Specify Location},
22666 for a list of all the possible ways to specify a @var{location}.)
22667 The breakpoint will stop execution of the inferior whenever it
22668 executes an instruction at any address within the specified range,
22669 (including @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}.)
22670
22671 @kindex set powerpc
22672 @item set powerpc soft-float
22673 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
22674 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
22675 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
22676 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
22677
22678 @item set powerpc vector-abi
22679 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
22680 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
22681 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
22682 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
22683 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
22684 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
22685 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
22686
22687 @item set powerpc exact-watchpoints
22688 @itemx show powerpc exact-watchpoints
22689 Allow @value{GDBN} to use only one debug register when watching a variable
22690 of scalar type, thus assuming that the variable is accessed through the
22691 address of its first byte.
22692
22693 @end table
22694
22695 @node AVR
22696 @subsection Atmel AVR
22697 @cindex AVR
22698
22699 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
22700 following AVR-specific commands:
22701
22702 @table @code
22703 @item info io_registers
22704 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
22705 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
22706 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
22707 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
22708 @end table
22709
22710 @node CRIS
22711 @subsection CRIS
22712 @cindex CRIS
22713
22714 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
22715 following CRIS-specific commands:
22716
22717 @table @code
22718 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
22719 @cindex CRIS version
22720 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
22721 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
22722 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
22723
22724 @item show cris-version
22725 Show the current CRIS version.
22726
22727 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
22728 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
22729 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
22730 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
22731 @code{R59}.
22732
22733 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
22734 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
22735
22736 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
22737 @cindex CRIS mode
22738 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
22739 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
22740 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
22741
22742 @item show cris-mode
22743 Show the current CRIS mode.
22744 @end table
22745
22746 @node Super-H
22747 @subsection Renesas Super-H
22748 @cindex Super-H
22749
22750 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
22751 commands:
22752
22753 @table @code
22754 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
22755 @kindex set sh calling-convention
22756 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
22757 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
22758 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
22759 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
22760 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
22761 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
22762 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
22763 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
22764 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
22765 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
22766
22767 @item show sh calling-convention
22768 @kindex show sh calling-convention
22769 Show the current calling convention setting.
22770
22771 @end table
22772
22773
22774 @node Architectures
22775 @section Architectures
22776
22777 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
22778 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
22779
22780 @menu
22781 * AArch64::
22782 * i386::
22783 * Alpha::
22784 * MIPS::
22785 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
22786 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
22787 * PowerPC::
22788 * Nios II::
22789 * Sparc64::
22790 @end menu
22791
22792 @node AArch64
22793 @subsection AArch64
22794 @cindex AArch64 support
22795
22796 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides the
22797 following special commands:
22798
22799 @table @code
22800 @item set debug aarch64
22801 @kindex set debug aarch64
22802 This command determines whether AArch64 architecture-specific debugging
22803 messages are to be displayed.
22804
22805 @item show debug aarch64
22806 Show whether AArch64 debugging messages are displayed.
22807
22808 @end table
22809
22810 @node i386
22811 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
22812
22813 @table @code
22814 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
22815 @kindex set struct-convention
22816 @cindex struct return convention
22817 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
22818 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
22819 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
22820 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
22821 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
22822 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
22823 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
22824 be returned in a register.
22825
22826 @item show struct-convention
22827 @kindex show struct-convention
22828 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
22829 from functions.
22830 @end table
22831
22832
22833 @subsubsection Intel @dfn{Memory Protection Extensions} (MPX).
22834 @cindex Intel Memory Protection Extensions (MPX).
22835
22836 Memory Protection Extension (MPX) adds the bound registers @samp{BND0}
22837 @footnote{The register named with capital letters represent the architecture
22838 registers.} through @samp{BND3}. Bound registers store a pair of 64-bit values
22839 which are the lower bound and upper bound. Bounds are effective addresses or
22840 memory locations. The upper bounds are architecturally represented in 1's
22841 complement form. A bound having lower bound = 0, and upper bound = 0
22842 (1's complement of all bits set) will allow access to the entire address space.
22843
22844 @samp{BND0} through @samp{BND3} are represented in @value{GDBN} as @samp{bnd0raw}
22845 through @samp{bnd3raw}. Pseudo registers @samp{bnd0} through @samp{bnd3}
22846 display the upper bound performing the complement of one operation on the
22847 upper bound value, i.e.@ when upper bound in @samp{bnd0raw} is 0 in the
22848 @value{GDBN} @samp{bnd0} it will be @code{0xfff@dots{}}. In this sense it
22849 can also be noted that the upper bounds are inclusive.
22850
22851 As an example, assume that the register BND0 holds bounds for a pointer having
22852 access allowed for the range between 0x32 and 0x71. The values present on
22853 bnd0raw and bnd registers are presented as follows:
22854
22855 @smallexample
22856 bnd0raw = @{0x32, 0xffffffff8e@}
22857 bnd0 = @{lbound = 0x32, ubound = 0x71@} : size 64
22858 @end smallexample
22859
22860 This way the raw value can be accessed via bnd0raw@dots{}bnd3raw. Any
22861 change on bnd0@dots{}bnd3 or bnd0raw@dots{}bnd3raw is reflect on its
22862 counterpart. When the bnd0@dots{}bnd3 registers are displayed via
22863 Python, the display includes the memory size, in bits, accessible to
22864 the pointer.
22865
22866 Bounds can also be stored in bounds tables, which are stored in
22867 application memory. These tables store bounds for pointers by specifying
22868 the bounds pointer's value along with its bounds. Evaluating and changing
22869 bounds located in bound tables is therefore interesting while investigating
22870 bugs on MPX context. @value{GDBN} provides commands for this purpose:
22871
22872 @table @code
22873 @item show mpx bound @var{pointer}
22874 @kindex show mpx bound
22875 Display bounds of the given @var{pointer}.
22876
22877 @item set mpx bound @var{pointer}, @var{lbound}, @var{ubound}
22878 @kindex set mpx bound
22879 Set the bounds of a pointer in the bound table.
22880 This command takes three parameters: @var{pointer} is the pointers
22881 whose bounds are to be changed, @var{lbound} and @var{ubound} are new values
22882 for lower and upper bounds respectively.
22883 @end table
22884
22885 When you call an inferior function on an Intel MPX enabled program,
22886 GDB sets the inferior's bound registers to the init (disabled) state
22887 before calling the function. As a consequence, bounds checks for the
22888 pointer arguments passed to the function will always pass.
22889
22890 This is necessary because when you call an inferior function, the
22891 program is usually in the middle of the execution of other function.
22892 Since at that point bound registers are in an arbitrary state, not
22893 clearing them would lead to random bound violations in the called
22894 function.
22895
22896 You can still examine the influence of the bound registers on the
22897 execution of the called function by stopping the execution of the
22898 called function at its prologue, setting bound registers, and
22899 continuing the execution. For example:
22900
22901 @smallexample
22902 $ break *upper
22903 Breakpoint 2 at 0x4009de: file i386-mpx-call.c, line 47.
22904 $ print upper (a, b, c, d, 1)
22905 Breakpoint 2, upper (a=0x0, b=0x6e0000005b, c=0x0, d=0x0, len=48)....
22906 $ print $bnd0
22907 @{lbound = 0x0, ubound = ffffffff@} : size -1
22908 @end smallexample
22909
22910 At this last step the value of bnd0 can be changed for investigation of bound
22911 violations caused along the execution of the call. In order to know how to
22912 set the bound registers or bound table for the call consult the ABI.
22913
22914 @node Alpha
22915 @subsection Alpha
22916
22917 See the following section.
22918
22919 @node MIPS
22920 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}
22921
22922 @cindex stack on Alpha
22923 @cindex stack on @acronym{MIPS}
22924 @cindex Alpha stack
22925 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} stack
22926 Alpha- and @acronym{MIPS}-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
22927 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
22928 find the beginning of a function.
22929
22930 @cindex response time, @acronym{MIPS} debugging
22931 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
22932 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
22933 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
22934 commands:
22935
22936 @table @code
22937 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, @acronym{MIPS})
22938 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
22939 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
22940 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
22941 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
22942 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
22943 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
22944 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
22945
22946 @item show heuristic-fence-post
22947 Display the current limit.
22948 @end table
22949
22950 @noindent
22951 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
22952 for debugging programs on Alpha or @acronym{MIPS} processors.
22953
22954 Several @acronym{MIPS}-specific commands are available when debugging @acronym{MIPS}
22955 programs:
22956
22957 @table @code
22958 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
22959 @kindex set mips abi
22960 @cindex set ABI for @acronym{MIPS}
22961 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
22962 values of @var{arg} are:
22963
22964 @table @samp
22965 @item auto
22966 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
22967 default).
22968 @item o32
22969 @item o64
22970 @item n32
22971 @item n64
22972 @item eabi32
22973 @item eabi64
22974 @end table
22975
22976 @item show mips abi
22977 @kindex show mips abi
22978 Show the @acronym{MIPS} ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
22979
22980 @item set mips compression @var{arg}
22981 @kindex set mips compression
22982 @cindex code compression, @acronym{MIPS}
22983 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} compressed
22984 @acronym{ISA, Instruction Set Architecture} encoding is used by the
22985 inferior. @value{GDBN} uses this for code disassembly and other
22986 internal interpretation purposes. This setting is only referred to
22987 when no executable has been associated with the debugging session or
22988 the executable does not provide information about the encoding it uses.
22989 Otherwise this setting is automatically updated from information
22990 provided by the executable.
22991
22992 Possible values of @var{arg} are @samp{mips16} and @samp{micromips}.
22993 The default compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding is @samp{mips16}, as
22994 executables containing @acronym{MIPS16} code frequently are not
22995 identified as such.
22996
22997 This setting is ``sticky''; that is, it retains its value across
22998 debugging sessions until reset either explicitly with this command or
22999 implicitly from an executable.
23000
23001 The compiler and/or assembler typically add symbol table annotations to
23002 identify functions compiled for the @acronym{MIPS16} or
23003 @acronym{microMIPS} @acronym{ISA}s. If these function-scope annotations
23004 are present, @value{GDBN} uses them in preference to the global
23005 compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding setting.
23006
23007 @item show mips compression
23008 @kindex show mips compression
23009 Show the @acronym{MIPS} compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding used by
23010 @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
23011
23012 @item set mipsfpu
23013 @itemx show mipsfpu
23014 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
23015
23016 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
23017 @kindex set mips mask-address
23018 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} addresses, masking
23019 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
23020 @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
23021 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
23022 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
23023
23024 @item show mips mask-address
23025 @kindex show mips mask-address
23026 Show whether the upper 32 bits of @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off or
23027 not.
23028
23029 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
23030 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
23031 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit @acronym{MIPS} targets that
23032 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old @acronym{MIPS} 64 target
23033 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
23034 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
23035
23036 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
23037 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
23038 Show the current setting of compatibility with older @acronym{MIPS} 64 targets.
23039
23040 @item set debug mips
23041 @kindex set debug mips
23042 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the @acronym{MIPS}-specific
23043 target code in @value{GDBN}.
23044
23045 @item show debug mips
23046 @kindex show debug mips
23047 Show the current setting of @acronym{MIPS} debugging messages.
23048 @end table
23049
23050
23051 @node HPPA
23052 @subsection HPPA
23053 @cindex HPPA support
23054
23055 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
23056 following special commands:
23057
23058 @table @code
23059 @item set debug hppa
23060 @kindex set debug hppa
23061 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
23062 messages are to be displayed.
23063
23064 @item show debug hppa
23065 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
23066
23067 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
23068 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
23069 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
23070 given @var{address}.
23071
23072 @end table
23073
23074
23075 @node SPU
23076 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
23077 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
23078 @cindex SPU
23079
23080 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
23081 it provides the following special commands:
23082
23083 @table @code
23084 @item info spu event
23085 @kindex info spu
23086 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
23087 and pending event status.
23088
23089 @item info spu signal
23090 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
23091 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
23092 notification channels.
23093
23094 @item info spu mailbox
23095 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
23096 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
23097 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
23098
23099 @item info spu dma
23100 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
23101 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
23102 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
23103
23104 @item info spu proxydma
23105 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
23106 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
23107 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
23108
23109 @end table
23110
23111 When @value{GDBN} is debugging a combined PowerPC/SPU application
23112 on the Cell Broadband Engine, it provides in addition the following
23113 special commands:
23114
23115 @table @code
23116 @item set spu stop-on-load @var{arg}
23117 @kindex set spu
23118 Set whether to stop for new SPE threads. When set to @code{on}, @value{GDBN}
23119 will give control to the user when a new SPE thread enters its @code{main}
23120 function. The default is @code{off}.
23121
23122 @item show spu stop-on-load
23123 @kindex show spu
23124 Show whether to stop for new SPE threads.
23125
23126 @item set spu auto-flush-cache @var{arg}
23127 Set whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache. When set to
23128 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will automatically cause the SPE software-managed
23129 cache to be flushed whenever SPE execution stops. This provides a consistent
23130 view of PowerPC memory that is accessed via the cache. If an application
23131 does not use the software-managed cache, this option has no effect.
23132
23133 @item show spu auto-flush-cache
23134 Show whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache.
23135
23136 @end table
23137
23138 @node PowerPC
23139 @subsection PowerPC
23140 @cindex PowerPC architecture
23141
23142 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
23143 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
23144 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
23145 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
23146 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
23147
23148 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
23149 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
23150 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
23151
23152 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
23153 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
23154
23155 @node Nios II
23156 @subsection Nios II
23157 @cindex Nios II architecture
23158
23159 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Nios II architecture,
23160 it provides the following special commands:
23161
23162 @table @code
23163
23164 @item set debug nios2
23165 @kindex set debug nios2
23166 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the Nios II
23167 target code in @value{GDBN}.
23168
23169 @item show debug nios2
23170 @kindex show debug nios2
23171 Show the current setting of Nios II debugging messages.
23172 @end table
23173
23174 @node Sparc64
23175 @subsection Sparc64
23176 @cindex Sparc64 support
23177 @cindex Application Data Integrity
23178 @subsubsection ADI Support
23179
23180 The M7 processor supports an Application Data Integrity (ADI) feature that
23181 detects invalid data accesses. When software allocates memory and enables
23182 ADI on the allocated memory, it chooses a 4-bit version number, sets the
23183 version in the upper 4 bits of the 64-bit pointer to that data, and stores
23184 the 4-bit version in every cacheline of that data. Hardware saves the latter
23185 in spare bits in the cache and memory hierarchy. On each load and store,
23186 the processor compares the upper 4 VA (virtual address) bits to the
23187 cacheline's version. If there is a mismatch, the processor generates a
23188 version mismatch trap which can be either precise or disrupting. The trap
23189 is an error condition which the kernel delivers to the process as a SIGSEGV
23190 signal.
23191
23192 Note that only 64-bit applications can use ADI and need to be built with
23193 ADI-enabled.
23194
23195 Values of the ADI version tags, which are in granularity of a
23196 cacheline (64 bytes), can be viewed or modified.
23197
23198
23199 @table @code
23200 @kindex adi examine
23201 @item adi (examine | x) [ / @var{n} ] @var{addr}
23202
23203 The @code{adi examine} command displays the value of one ADI version tag per
23204 cacheline.
23205
23206 @var{n} is a decimal integer specifying the number in bytes; the default
23207 is 1. It specifies how much ADI version information, at the ratio of 1:ADI
23208 block size, to display.
23209
23210 @var{addr} is the address in user address space where you want @value{GDBN}
23211 to begin displaying the ADI version tags.
23212
23213 Below is an example of displaying ADI versions of variable "shmaddr".
23214
23215 @smallexample
23216 (@value{GDBP}) adi x/100 shmaddr
23217 0xfff800010002c000: 0 0
23218 @end smallexample
23219
23220 @kindex adi assign
23221 @item adi (assign | a) [ / @var{n} ] @var{addr} = @var{tag}
23222
23223 The @code{adi assign} command is used to assign new ADI version tag
23224 to an address.
23225
23226 @var{n} is a decimal integer specifying the number in bytes;
23227 the default is 1. It specifies how much ADI version information, at the
23228 ratio of 1:ADI block size, to modify.
23229
23230 @var{addr} is the address in user address space where you want @value{GDBN}
23231 to begin modifying the ADI version tags.
23232
23233 @var{tag} is the new ADI version tag.
23234
23235 For example, do the following to modify then verify ADI versions of
23236 variable "shmaddr":
23237
23238 @smallexample
23239 (@value{GDBP}) adi a/100 shmaddr = 7
23240 (@value{GDBP}) adi x/100 shmaddr
23241 0xfff800010002c000: 7 7
23242 @end smallexample
23243
23244 @end table
23245
23246 @node Controlling GDB
23247 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
23248
23249 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
23250 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
23251 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
23252 described here.
23253
23254 @menu
23255 * Prompt:: Prompt
23256 * Editing:: Command editing
23257 * Command History:: Command history
23258 * Screen Size:: Screen size
23259 * Numbers:: Numbers
23260 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
23261 * Auto-loading:: Automatically loading associated files
23262 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
23263 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
23264 * Other Misc Settings:: Other Miscellaneous Settings
23265 @end menu
23266
23267 @node Prompt
23268 @section Prompt
23269
23270 @cindex prompt
23271
23272 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
23273 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
23274 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
23275 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
23276 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
23277 which one you are talking to.
23278
23279 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
23280 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
23281 or a prompt that does not.
23282
23283 @table @code
23284 @kindex set prompt
23285 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
23286 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
23287
23288 @kindex show prompt
23289 @item show prompt
23290 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
23291 @end table
23292
23293 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled have
23294 prompt extensions. The commands for interacting with these extensions
23295 are:
23296
23297 @table @code
23298 @kindex set extended-prompt
23299 @item set extended-prompt @var{prompt}
23300 Set an extended prompt that allows for substitutions.
23301 @xref{gdb.prompt}, for a list of escape sequences that can be used for
23302 substitution. Any escape sequences specified as part of the prompt
23303 string are replaced with the corresponding strings each time the prompt
23304 is displayed.
23305
23306 For example:
23307
23308 @smallexample
23309 set extended-prompt Current working directory: \w (gdb)
23310 @end smallexample
23311
23312 Note that when an extended-prompt is set, it takes control of the
23313 @var{prompt_hook} hook. @xref{prompt_hook}, for further information.
23314
23315 @kindex show extended-prompt
23316 @item show extended-prompt
23317 Prints the extended prompt. Any escape sequences specified as part of
23318 the prompt string with @code{set extended-prompt}, are replaced with the
23319 corresponding strings each time the prompt is displayed.
23320 @end table
23321
23322 @node Editing
23323 @section Command Editing
23324 @cindex readline
23325 @cindex command line editing
23326
23327 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
23328 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
23329 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
23330 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
23331 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
23332 debugging sessions.
23333
23334 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
23335 command @code{set}.
23336
23337 @table @code
23338 @kindex set editing
23339 @cindex editing
23340 @item set editing
23341 @itemx set editing on
23342 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
23343
23344 @item set editing off
23345 Disable command line editing.
23346
23347 @kindex show editing
23348 @item show editing
23349 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
23350 @end table
23351
23352 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
23353 @xref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library},
23354 @end ifset
23355 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
23356 @xref{Command Line Editing},
23357 @end ifclear
23358 for more details about the Readline
23359 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
23360 encouraged to read that chapter.
23361
23362 @node Command History
23363 @section Command History
23364 @cindex command history
23365
23366 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
23367 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
23368 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
23369 history facility.
23370
23371 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
23372 package, to provide the history facility.
23373 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
23374 @xref{Using History Interactively, , , history, GNU History Library},
23375 @end ifset
23376 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
23377 @xref{Using History Interactively},
23378 @end ifclear
23379 for the detailed description of the History library.
23380
23381 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
23382 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
23383 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
23384 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
23385 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
23386 pressed on a line by itself.
23387
23388 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
23389 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
23390 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
23391 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
23392
23393 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
23394 history.
23395
23396 @table @code
23397 @cindex history substitution
23398 @cindex history file
23399 @kindex set history filename
23400 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
23401 @item set history filename @var{fname}
23402 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
23403 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
23404 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
23405 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
23406 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
23407 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
23408 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
23409 is not set.
23410
23411 @cindex save command history
23412 @kindex set history save
23413 @item set history save
23414 @itemx set history save on
23415 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
23416 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
23417
23418 @item set history save off
23419 Stop recording command history in a file.
23420
23421 @cindex history size
23422 @kindex set history size
23423 @cindex @env{GDBHISTSIZE}, environment variable
23424 @item set history size @var{size}
23425 @itemx set history size unlimited
23426 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
23427 This defaults to the value of the environment variable @env{GDBHISTSIZE}, or
23428 to 256 if this variable is not set. Non-numeric values of @env{GDBHISTSIZE}
23429 are ignored. If @var{size} is @code{unlimited} or if @env{GDBHISTSIZE} is
23430 either a negative number or the empty string, then the number of commands
23431 @value{GDBN} keeps in the history list is unlimited.
23432
23433 @cindex remove duplicate history
23434 @kindex set history remove-duplicates
23435 @item set history remove-duplicates @var{count}
23436 @itemx set history remove-duplicates unlimited
23437 Control the removal of duplicate history entries in the command history list.
23438 If @var{count} is non-zero, @value{GDBN} will look back at the last @var{count}
23439 history entries and remove the first entry that is a duplicate of the current
23440 entry being added to the command history list. If @var{count} is
23441 @code{unlimited} then this lookbehind is unbounded. If @var{count} is 0, then
23442 removal of duplicate history entries is disabled.
23443
23444 Only history entries added during the current session are considered for
23445 removal. This option is set to 0 by default.
23446
23447 @end table
23448
23449 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
23450 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
23451 @xref{Event Designators, , , history, GNU History Library},
23452 @end ifset
23453 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
23454 @xref{Event Designators},
23455 @end ifclear
23456 for more details.
23457
23458 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
23459 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
23460 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
23461 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
23462 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
23463 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
23464 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
23465 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
23466
23467 The commands to control history expansion are:
23468
23469 @table @code
23470 @item set history expansion on
23471 @itemx set history expansion
23472 @kindex set history expansion
23473 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
23474
23475 @item set history expansion off
23476 Disable history expansion.
23477
23478 @c @group
23479 @kindex show history
23480 @item show history
23481 @itemx show history filename
23482 @itemx show history save
23483 @itemx show history size
23484 @itemx show history expansion
23485 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
23486 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
23487 @c @end group
23488 @end table
23489
23490 @table @code
23491 @kindex show commands
23492 @cindex show last commands
23493 @cindex display command history
23494 @item show commands
23495 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
23496
23497 @item show commands @var{n}
23498 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
23499
23500 @item show commands +
23501 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
23502 @end table
23503
23504 @node Screen Size
23505 @section Screen Size
23506 @cindex size of screen
23507 @cindex screen size
23508 @cindex pagination
23509 @cindex page size
23510 @cindex pauses in output
23511
23512 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
23513 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
23514 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
23515 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
23516 to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
23517 determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
23518 printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
23519 rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
23520
23521 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
23522 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
23523 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
23524 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
23525 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
23526 width} commands:
23527
23528 @table @code
23529 @kindex set height
23530 @kindex set width
23531 @kindex show width
23532 @kindex show height
23533 @item set height @var{lpp}
23534 @itemx set height unlimited
23535 @itemx show height
23536 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
23537 @itemx set width unlimited
23538 @itemx show width
23539 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
23540 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
23541 commands display the current settings.
23542
23543 If you specify a height of either @code{unlimited} or zero lines,
23544 @value{GDBN} does not pause during output no matter how long the
23545 output is. This is useful if output is to a file or to an editor
23546 buffer.
23547
23548 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width unlimited} or @samp{set
23549 width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN} from wrapping its output.
23550
23551 @item set pagination on
23552 @itemx set pagination off
23553 @kindex set pagination
23554 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
23555 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height unlimited}. Note that
23556 running @value{GDBN} with the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode
23557 Options, -batch}) also automatically disables pagination.
23558
23559 @item show pagination
23560 @kindex show pagination
23561 Show the current pagination mode.
23562 @end table
23563
23564 @node Numbers
23565 @section Numbers
23566 @cindex number representation
23567 @cindex entering numbers
23568
23569 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
23570 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
23571 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
23572 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
23573 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
23574 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
23575 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
23576 both input and output with the commands described below.
23577
23578 @table @code
23579 @kindex set input-radix
23580 @item set input-radix @var{base}
23581 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
23582 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. The base must itself be
23583 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
23584 example, any of
23585
23586 @smallexample
23587 set input-radix 012
23588 set input-radix 10.
23589 set input-radix 0xa
23590 @end smallexample
23591
23592 @noindent
23593 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
23594 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
23595 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
23596 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
23597 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
23598 change the radix.
23599
23600 @kindex set output-radix
23601 @item set output-radix @var{base}
23602 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
23603 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. The base must itself be
23604 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
23605
23606 @kindex show input-radix
23607 @item show input-radix
23608 Display the current default base for numeric input.
23609
23610 @kindex show output-radix
23611 @item show output-radix
23612 Display the current default base for numeric display.
23613
23614 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
23615 @itemx show radix
23616 @kindex set radix
23617 @kindex show radix
23618 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
23619 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
23620 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
23621 default value of 10.
23622
23623 @end table
23624
23625 @node ABI
23626 @section Configuring the Current ABI
23627
23628 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
23629 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
23630 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
23631 current ABI.
23632
23633 @cindex OS ABI
23634 @kindex set osabi
23635 @kindex show osabi
23636 @cindex Newlib OS ABI and its influence on the longjmp handling
23637
23638 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
23639 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
23640 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
23641 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
23642 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
23643 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
23644 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
23645 platform provides.
23646
23647 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides a
23648 ``Newlib'' OS ABI. This is useful for handling @code{setjmp} and
23649 @code{longjmp} when debugging binaries that use the @sc{newlib} C library.
23650 The ``Newlib'' OS ABI can be selected by @code{set osabi Newlib}.
23651
23652 @table @code
23653 @item show osabi
23654 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
23655
23656 @item set osabi
23657 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
23658
23659 @item set osabi @var{abi}
23660 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
23661 @end table
23662
23663 @cindex float promotion
23664
23665 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
23666 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
23667 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
23668 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
23669 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
23670 @code{double} and then passed.
23671
23672 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
23673 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
23674 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
23675
23676 @table @code
23677 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
23678 @item set coerce-float-to-double
23679 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
23680 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
23681 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
23682
23683 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
23684 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
23685 functions.
23686
23687 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
23688 @item show coerce-float-to-double
23689 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
23690 @end table
23691
23692 @kindex set cp-abi
23693 @kindex show cp-abi
23694 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
23695 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
23696 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
23697 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
23698 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
23699 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
23700 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
23701 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
23702 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
23703 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
23704 ``auto''.
23705
23706 @table @code
23707 @item show cp-abi
23708 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
23709
23710 @item set cp-abi
23711 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
23712
23713 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
23714 @itemx set cp-abi auto
23715 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
23716 @end table
23717
23718 @node Auto-loading
23719 @section Automatically loading associated files
23720 @cindex auto-loading
23721
23722 @value{GDBN} sometimes reads files with commands and settings automatically,
23723 without being explicitly told so by the user. We call this feature
23724 @dfn{auto-loading}. While auto-loading is useful for automatically adapting
23725 @value{GDBN} to the needs of your project, it can sometimes produce unexpected
23726 results or introduce security risks (e.g., if the file comes from untrusted
23727 sources).
23728
23729 @menu
23730 * Init File in the Current Directory:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load local-gdbinit}
23731 * libthread_db.so.1 file:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load libthread-db}
23732
23733 * Auto-loading safe path:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load safe-path}
23734 * Auto-loading verbose mode:: @samp{set/show debug auto-load}
23735 @end menu
23736
23737 There are various kinds of files @value{GDBN} can automatically load.
23738 In addition to these files, @value{GDBN} supports auto-loading code written
23739 in various extension languages. @xref{Auto-loading extensions}.
23740
23741 Note that loading of these associated files (including the local @file{.gdbinit}
23742 file) requires accordingly configured @code{auto-load safe-path}
23743 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
23744
23745 For these reasons, @value{GDBN} includes commands and options to let you
23746 control when to auto-load files and which files should be auto-loaded.
23747
23748 @table @code
23749 @anchor{set auto-load off}
23750 @kindex set auto-load off
23751 @item set auto-load off
23752 Globally disable loading of all auto-loaded files.
23753 You may want to use this command with the @samp{-iex} option
23754 (@pxref{Option -init-eval-command}) such as:
23755 @smallexample
23756 $ @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load off" untrusted-executable corefile}
23757 @end smallexample
23758
23759 Be aware that system init file (@pxref{System-wide configuration})
23760 and init files from your home directory (@pxref{Home Directory Init File})
23761 still get read (as they come from generally trusted directories).
23762 To prevent @value{GDBN} from auto-loading even those init files, use the
23763 @option{-nx} option (@pxref{Mode Options}), in addition to
23764 @code{set auto-load no}.
23765
23766 @anchor{show auto-load}
23767 @kindex show auto-load
23768 @item show auto-load
23769 Show whether auto-loading of each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) is enabled
23770 or disabled.
23771
23772 @smallexample
23773 (gdb) show auto-load
23774 gdb-scripts: Auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is on.
23775 libthread-db: Auto-loading of inferior specific libthread_db is on.
23776 local-gdbinit: Auto-loading of .gdbinit script from current directory
23777 is on.
23778 python-scripts: Auto-loading of Python scripts is on.
23779 safe-path: List of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
23780 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
23781 scripts-directory: List of directories from which to load auto-loaded scripts
23782 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
23783 @end smallexample
23784
23785 @anchor{info auto-load}
23786 @kindex info auto-load
23787 @item info auto-load
23788 Print whether each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) have been auto-loaded or
23789 not.
23790
23791 @smallexample
23792 (gdb) info auto-load
23793 gdb-scripts:
23794 Loaded Script
23795 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb
23796 libthread-db: No auto-loaded libthread-db.
23797 local-gdbinit: Local .gdbinit file "/home/user/gdb/.gdbinit" has been
23798 loaded.
23799 python-scripts:
23800 Loaded Script
23801 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py
23802 @end smallexample
23803 @end table
23804
23805 These are @value{GDBN} control commands for the auto-loading:
23806
23807 @multitable @columnfractions .5 .5
23808 @item @xref{set auto-load off}.
23809 @tab Disable auto-loading globally.
23810 @item @xref{show auto-load}.
23811 @tab Show setting of all kinds of files.
23812 @item @xref{info auto-load}.
23813 @tab Show state of all kinds of files.
23814 @item @xref{set auto-load gdb-scripts}.
23815 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} command scripts.
23816 @item @xref{show auto-load gdb-scripts}.
23817 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
23818 @item @xref{info auto-load gdb-scripts}.
23819 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
23820 @item @xref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
23821 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
23822 @item @xref{show auto-load python-scripts}.
23823 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
23824 @item @xref{info auto-load python-scripts}.
23825 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
23826 @item @xref{set auto-load guile-scripts}.
23827 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
23828 @item @xref{show auto-load guile-scripts}.
23829 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
23830 @item @xref{info auto-load guile-scripts}.
23831 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
23832 @item @xref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
23833 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
23834 @item @xref{show auto-load scripts-directory}.
23835 @tab Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
23836 @item @xref{add-auto-load-scripts-directory}.
23837 @tab Add directory for auto-loaded scripts location list.
23838 @item @xref{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
23839 @tab Control for init file in the current directory.
23840 @item @xref{show auto-load local-gdbinit}.
23841 @tab Show setting of init file in the current directory.
23842 @item @xref{info auto-load local-gdbinit}.
23843 @tab Show state of init file in the current directory.
23844 @item @xref{set auto-load libthread-db}.
23845 @tab Control for thread debugging library.
23846 @item @xref{show auto-load libthread-db}.
23847 @tab Show setting of thread debugging library.
23848 @item @xref{info auto-load libthread-db}.
23849 @tab Show state of thread debugging library.
23850 @item @xref{set auto-load safe-path}.
23851 @tab Control directories trusted for automatic loading.
23852 @item @xref{show auto-load safe-path}.
23853 @tab Show directories trusted for automatic loading.
23854 @item @xref{add-auto-load-safe-path}.
23855 @tab Add directory trusted for automatic loading.
23856 @end multitable
23857
23858 @node Init File in the Current Directory
23859 @subsection Automatically loading init file in the current directory
23860 @cindex auto-loading init file in the current directory
23861
23862 By default, @value{GDBN} reads and executes the canned sequences of commands
23863 from init file (if any) in the current working directory,
23864 see @ref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}.
23865
23866 Note that loading of this local @file{.gdbinit} file also requires accordingly
23867 configured @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
23868
23869 @table @code
23870 @anchor{set auto-load local-gdbinit}
23871 @kindex set auto-load local-gdbinit
23872 @item set auto-load local-gdbinit [on|off]
23873 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands
23874 (@pxref{Sequences}) found in init file in the current directory.
23875
23876 @anchor{show auto-load local-gdbinit}
23877 @kindex show auto-load local-gdbinit
23878 @item show auto-load local-gdbinit
23879 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands from init file in the
23880 current directory is enabled or disabled.
23881
23882 @anchor{info auto-load local-gdbinit}
23883 @kindex info auto-load local-gdbinit
23884 @item info auto-load local-gdbinit
23885 Print whether canned sequences of commands from init file in the
23886 current directory have been auto-loaded.
23887 @end table
23888
23889 @node libthread_db.so.1 file
23890 @subsection Automatically loading thread debugging library
23891 @cindex auto-loading libthread_db.so.1
23892
23893 This feature is currently present only on @sc{gnu}/Linux native hosts.
23894
23895 @value{GDBN} reads in some cases thread debugging library from places specific
23896 to the inferior (@pxref{set libthread-db-search-path}).
23897
23898 The special @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entry @samp{$sdir} is processed
23899 without checking this @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} switch as system
23900 libraries have to be trusted in general. In all other cases of
23901 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entries @value{GDBN} checks first if @samp{set
23902 auto-load libthread-db} is enabled before trying to open such thread debugging
23903 library.
23904
23905 Note that loading of this debugging library also requires accordingly configured
23906 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
23907
23908 @table @code
23909 @anchor{set auto-load libthread-db}
23910 @kindex set auto-load libthread-db
23911 @item set auto-load libthread-db [on|off]
23912 Enable or disable the auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library.
23913
23914 @anchor{show auto-load libthread-db}
23915 @kindex show auto-load libthread-db
23916 @item show auto-load libthread-db
23917 Show whether auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library is
23918 enabled or disabled.
23919
23920 @anchor{info auto-load libthread-db}
23921 @kindex info auto-load libthread-db
23922 @item info auto-load libthread-db
23923 Print the list of all loaded inferior specific thread debugging libraries and
23924 for each such library print list of inferior @var{pid}s using it.
23925 @end table
23926
23927 @node Auto-loading safe path
23928 @subsection Security restriction for auto-loading
23929 @cindex auto-loading safe-path
23930
23931 As the files of inferior can come from untrusted source (such as submitted by
23932 an application user) @value{GDBN} does not always load any files automatically.
23933 @value{GDBN} provides the @samp{set auto-load safe-path} setting to list
23934 directories trusted for loading files not explicitly requested by user.
23935 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern.
23936
23937 If the path is not set properly you will see a warning and the file will not
23938 get loaded:
23939
23940 @smallexample
23941 $ ./gdb -q ./gdb
23942 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/gdb...done.
23943 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been
23944 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
23945 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
23946 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py" auto-loading has been
23947 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
23948 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
23949 @end smallexample
23950
23951 @noindent
23952 To instruct @value{GDBN} to go ahead and use the init files anyway,
23953 invoke @value{GDBN} like this:
23954
23955 @smallexample
23956 $ gdb -q -iex "set auto-load safe-path /home/user/gdb" ./gdb
23957 @end smallexample
23958
23959 The list of trusted directories is controlled by the following commands:
23960
23961 @table @code
23962 @anchor{set auto-load safe-path}
23963 @kindex set auto-load safe-path
23964 @item set auto-load safe-path @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
23965 Set the list of directories (and their subdirectories) trusted for automatic
23966 loading and execution of scripts. You can also enter a specific trusted file.
23967 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern; wildcards do not match
23968 directory separator - see @code{FNM_PATHNAME} for system function @code{fnmatch}
23969 (@pxref{Wildcard Matching, fnmatch, , libc, GNU C Library Reference Manual}).
23970 If you omit @var{directories}, @samp{auto-load safe-path} will be reset to
23971 its default value as specified during @value{GDBN} compilation.
23972
23973 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
23974 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
23975 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
23976
23977 @anchor{show auto-load safe-path}
23978 @kindex show auto-load safe-path
23979 @item show auto-load safe-path
23980 Show the list of directories trusted for automatic loading and execution of
23981 scripts.
23982
23983 @anchor{add-auto-load-safe-path}
23984 @kindex add-auto-load-safe-path
23985 @item add-auto-load-safe-path
23986 Add an entry (or list of entries) to the list of directories trusted for
23987 automatic loading and execution of scripts. Multiple entries may be delimited
23988 by the host platform path separator in use.
23989 @end table
23990
23991 This variable defaults to what @code{--with-auto-load-dir} has been configured
23992 to (@pxref{with-auto-load-dir}). @file{$debugdir} and @file{$datadir}
23993 substitution applies the same as for @ref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
23994 The default @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by
23995 @value{GDBN} configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-safe-path}.
23996
23997 Setting this variable to @file{/} disables this security protection,
23998 corresponding @value{GDBN} configuration option is
23999 @option{--without-auto-load-safe-path}.
24000 This variable is supposed to be set to the system directories writable by the
24001 system superuser only. Users can add their source directories in init files in
24002 their home directories (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). See also deprecated
24003 init file in the current directory
24004 (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}).
24005
24006 To force @value{GDBN} to load the files it declined to load in the previous
24007 example, you could use one of the following ways:
24008
24009 @table @asis
24010 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{add-auto-load-safe-path ~/src/gdb}
24011 Specify this trusted directory (or a file) as additional component of the list.
24012 You have to specify also any existing directories displayed by
24013 by @samp{show auto-load safe-path} (such as @samp{/usr:/bin} in this example).
24014
24015 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /usr:/bin:~/src/gdb" @dots{}}
24016 Specify this directory as in the previous case but just for a single
24017 @value{GDBN} session.
24018
24019 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /" @dots{}}
24020 Disable auto-loading safety for a single @value{GDBN} session.
24021 This assumes all the files you debug during this @value{GDBN} session will come
24022 from trusted sources.
24023
24024 @item @kbd{./configure --without-auto-load-safe-path}
24025 During compilation of @value{GDBN} you may disable any auto-loading safety.
24026 This assumes all the files you will ever debug with this @value{GDBN} come from
24027 trusted sources.
24028 @end table
24029
24030 On the other hand you can also explicitly forbid automatic files loading which
24031 also suppresses any such warning messages:
24032
24033 @table @asis
24034 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load no" @dots{}}
24035 You can use @value{GDBN} command-line option for a single @value{GDBN} session.
24036
24037 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{set auto-load no}
24038 Disable auto-loading globally for the user
24039 (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). While it is improbable, you could also
24040 use system init file instead (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
24041 @end table
24042
24043 This setting applies to the file names as entered by user. If no entry matches
24044 @value{GDBN} tries as a last resort to also resolve all the file names into
24045 their canonical form (typically resolving symbolic links) and compare the
24046 entries again. @value{GDBN} already canonicalizes most of the filenames on its
24047 own before starting the comparison so a canonical form of directories is
24048 recommended to be entered.
24049
24050 @node Auto-loading verbose mode
24051 @subsection Displaying files tried for auto-load
24052 @cindex auto-loading verbose mode
24053
24054 For better visibility of all the file locations where you can place scripts to
24055 be auto-loaded with inferior --- or to protect yourself against accidental
24056 execution of untrusted scripts --- @value{GDBN} provides a feature for printing
24057 all the files attempted to be loaded. Both existing and non-existing files may
24058 be printed.
24059
24060 For example the list of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
24061 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}) applies also to canonicalized filenames which
24062 may not be too obvious while setting it up.
24063
24064 @smallexample
24065 (gdb) set debug auto-load on
24066 (gdb) file ~/src/t/true
24067 auto-load: Loading canned sequences of commands script "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb"
24068 for objfile "/tmp/true".
24069 auto-load: Updating directories of "/usr:/opt".
24070 auto-load: Using directory "/usr".
24071 auto-load: Using directory "/opt".
24072 warning: File "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been declined
24073 by your `auto-load safe-path' set to "/usr:/opt".
24074 @end smallexample
24075
24076 @table @code
24077 @anchor{set debug auto-load}
24078 @kindex set debug auto-load
24079 @item set debug auto-load [on|off]
24080 Set whether to print the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded.
24081
24082 @anchor{show debug auto-load}
24083 @kindex show debug auto-load
24084 @item show debug auto-load
24085 Show whether printing of the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded is turned
24086 on or off.
24087 @end table
24088
24089 @node Messages/Warnings
24090 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
24091
24092 @cindex verbose operation
24093 @cindex optional warnings
24094 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
24095 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
24096 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
24097 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
24098
24099 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
24100 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
24101 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
24102
24103 @table @code
24104 @kindex set verbose
24105 @item set verbose on
24106 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
24107
24108 @item set verbose off
24109 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
24110
24111 @kindex show verbose
24112 @item show verbose
24113 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
24114 @end table
24115
24116 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
24117 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
24118 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
24119 Symbol Files}).
24120
24121 @table @code
24122
24123 @kindex set complaints
24124 @item set complaints @var{limit}
24125 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
24126 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
24127 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
24128 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
24129
24130 @kindex show complaints
24131 @item show complaints
24132 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
24133
24134 @end table
24135
24136 @anchor{confirmation requests}
24137 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
24138 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
24139 you try to run a program which is already running:
24140
24141 @smallexample
24142 (@value{GDBP}) run
24143 The program being debugged has been started already.
24144 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
24145 @end smallexample
24146
24147 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
24148 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
24149
24150 @table @code
24151
24152 @kindex set confirm
24153 @cindex flinching
24154 @cindex confirmation
24155 @cindex stupid questions
24156 @item set confirm off
24157 Disables confirmation requests. Note that running @value{GDBN} with
24158 the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode Options, -batch}) also
24159 automatically disables confirmation requests.
24160
24161 @item set confirm on
24162 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
24163
24164 @kindex show confirm
24165 @item show confirm
24166 Displays state of confirmation requests.
24167
24168 @end table
24169
24170 @cindex command tracing
24171 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
24172 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
24173 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
24174 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
24175
24176 @table @code
24177 @kindex set trace-commands
24178 @cindex command scripts, debugging
24179 @item set trace-commands on
24180 Enable command tracing.
24181 @item set trace-commands off
24182 Disable command tracing.
24183 @item show trace-commands
24184 Display the current state of command tracing.
24185 @end table
24186
24187 @node Debugging Output
24188 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
24189 @cindex optional debugging messages
24190
24191 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
24192 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
24193 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
24194 section documents those commands.
24195
24196 @table @code
24197 @kindex set exec-done-display
24198 @item set exec-done-display
24199 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
24200 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
24201 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
24202 @kindex show exec-done-display
24203 @item show exec-done-display
24204 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
24205 notification.
24206 @kindex set debug
24207 @cindex ARM AArch64
24208 @item set debug aarch64
24209 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to ARM AArch64.
24210 The default is off.
24211 @kindex show debug
24212 @item show debug aarch64
24213 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
24214 ARM AArch64.
24215 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
24216 @cindex architecture debugging info
24217 @item set debug arch
24218 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
24219 @item show debug arch
24220 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
24221 @item set debug aix-solib
24222 @cindex AIX shared library debugging
24223 Control display of debugging messages from the AIX shared library
24224 support module. The default is off.
24225 @item show debug aix-thread
24226 Show the current state of displaying AIX shared library debugging messages.
24227 @item set debug aix-thread
24228 @cindex AIX threads
24229 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
24230 module.
24231 @item show debug aix-thread
24232 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
24233 @item set debug check-physname
24234 @cindex physname
24235 Check the results of the ``physname'' computation. When reading DWARF
24236 debugging information for C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} attempts to compute
24237 each entity's name. @value{GDBN} can do this computation in two
24238 different ways, depending on exactly what information is present.
24239 When enabled, this setting causes @value{GDBN} to compute the names
24240 both ways and display any discrepancies.
24241 @item show debug check-physname
24242 Show the current state of ``physname'' checking.
24243 @item set debug coff-pe-read
24244 @cindex COFF/PE exported symbols
24245 Control display of debugging messages related to reading of COFF/PE
24246 exported symbols. The default is off.
24247 @item show debug coff-pe-read
24248 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
24249 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
24250 @item set debug dwarf-die
24251 @cindex DWARF DIEs
24252 Dump DWARF DIEs after they are read in.
24253 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
24254 A value of zero turns off the display.
24255 @item show debug dwarf-die
24256 Show the current state of DWARF DIE debugging.
24257 @item set debug dwarf-line
24258 @cindex DWARF Line Tables
24259 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
24260 DWARF line tables. The default is 0 (off).
24261 A value of 1 provides basic information.
24262 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
24263 @item show debug dwarf-line
24264 Show the current state of DWARF line table debugging.
24265 @item set debug dwarf-read
24266 @cindex DWARF Reading
24267 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
24268 DWARF debug info. The default is 0 (off).
24269 A value of 1 provides basic information.
24270 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
24271 @item show debug dwarf-read
24272 Show the current state of DWARF reader debugging.
24273 @item set debug displaced
24274 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
24275 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
24276 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
24277 @item show debug displaced
24278 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
24279 related to displaced stepping.
24280 @item set debug event
24281 @cindex event debugging info
24282 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
24283 default is off.
24284 @item show debug event
24285 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
24286 info.
24287 @item set debug expression
24288 @cindex expression debugging info
24289 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
24290 expression parsing. The default is off.
24291 @item show debug expression
24292 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
24293 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
24294 @item set debug fbsd-lwp
24295 @cindex FreeBSD LWP debug messages
24296 Turns on or off debugging messages from the FreeBSD LWP debug support.
24297 @item show debug fbsd-lwp
24298 Show the current state of FreeBSD LWP debugging messages.
24299 @item set debug frame
24300 @cindex frame debugging info
24301 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
24302 default is off.
24303 @item show debug frame
24304 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
24305 info.
24306 @item set debug gnu-nat
24307 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
24308 Turn on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
24309 @item show debug gnu-nat
24310 Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
24311 @item set debug infrun
24312 @cindex inferior debugging info
24313 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
24314 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
24315 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
24316 @item show debug infrun
24317 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
24318 @item set debug jit
24319 @cindex just-in-time compilation, debugging messages
24320 Turn on or off debugging messages from JIT debug support.
24321 @item show debug jit
24322 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} JIT debugging.
24323 @item set debug lin-lwp
24324 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
24325 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
24326 Turn on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
24327 @item show debug lin-lwp
24328 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
24329 @item set debug linux-namespaces
24330 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux namespaces debug messages
24331 Turn on or off debugging messages from the Linux namespaces debug support.
24332 @item show debug linux-namespaces
24333 Show the current state of Linux namespaces debugging messages.
24334 @item set debug mach-o
24335 @cindex Mach-O symbols processing
24336 Control display of debugging messages related to Mach-O symbols
24337 processing. The default is off.
24338 @item show debug mach-o
24339 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
24340 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
24341 @item set debug notification
24342 @cindex remote async notification debugging info
24343 Turn on or off debugging messages about remote async notification.
24344 The default is off.
24345 @item show debug notification
24346 Displays the current state of remote async notification debugging messages.
24347 @item set debug observer
24348 @cindex observer debugging info
24349 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
24350 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
24351 @item show debug observer
24352 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
24353 @item set debug overload
24354 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
24355 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
24356 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
24357 is off.
24358 @item show debug overload
24359 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
24360 debugging info.
24361 @cindex expression parser, debugging info
24362 @cindex debug expression parser
24363 @item set debug parser
24364 Turns on or off the display of expression parser debugging output.
24365 Internally, this sets the @code{yydebug} variable in the expression
24366 parser. @xref{Tracing, , Tracing Your Parser, bison, Bison}, for
24367 details. The default is off.
24368 @item show debug parser
24369 Show the current state of expression parser debugging.
24370 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
24371 @cindex serial connections, debugging
24372 @cindex debug remote protocol
24373 @cindex remote protocol debugging
24374 @cindex display remote packets
24375 @item set debug remote
24376 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
24377 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
24378 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
24379 @item show debug remote
24380 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
24381
24382 @item set debug separate-debug-file
24383 Turns on or off display of debug output about separate debug file search.
24384 @item show debug separate-debug-file
24385 Displays the state of separate debug file search debug output.
24386
24387 @item set debug serial
24388 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
24389 default is off.
24390 @item show debug serial
24391 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
24392 info.
24393 @item set debug solib-frv
24394 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
24395 Turn on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
24396 @item show debug solib-frv
24397 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
24398 messages.
24399 @item set debug symbol-lookup
24400 @cindex symbol lookup
24401 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol lookup.
24402 The default is 0 (off).
24403 A value of 1 provides basic information.
24404 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
24405 @item show debug symbol-lookup
24406 Show the current state of symbol lookup debugging messages.
24407 @item set debug symfile
24408 @cindex symbol file functions
24409 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol file functions.
24410 The default is off. @xref{Files}.
24411 @item show debug symfile
24412 Show the current state of symbol file debugging messages.
24413 @item set debug symtab-create
24414 @cindex symbol table creation
24415 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol table creation.
24416 The default is 0 (off).
24417 A value of 1 provides basic information.
24418 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
24419 @item show debug symtab-create
24420 Show the current state of symbol table creation debugging.
24421 @item set debug target
24422 @cindex target debugging info
24423 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
24424 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
24425 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
24426 value of large memory transfers.
24427 @item show debug target
24428 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
24429 info.
24430 @item set debug timestamp
24431 @cindex timestampping debugging info
24432 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
24433 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
24434 message.
24435 @item show debug timestamp
24436 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
24437 debugging info.
24438 @item set debug varobj
24439 @cindex variable object debugging info
24440 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
24441 info. The default is off.
24442 @item show debug varobj
24443 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
24444 debugging info.
24445 @item set debug xml
24446 @cindex XML parser debugging
24447 Turn on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
24448 @item show debug xml
24449 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
24450 @end table
24451
24452 @node Other Misc Settings
24453 @section Other Miscellaneous Settings
24454 @cindex miscellaneous settings
24455
24456 @table @code
24457 @kindex set interactive-mode
24458 @item set interactive-mode
24459 If @code{on}, forces @value{GDBN} to assume that GDB was started
24460 in a terminal. In practice, this means that @value{GDBN} should wait
24461 for the user to answer queries generated by commands entered at
24462 the command prompt. If @code{off}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate
24463 in the opposite mode, and it uses the default answers to all queries.
24464 If @code{auto} (the default), @value{GDBN} tries to determine whether
24465 its standard input is a terminal, and works in interactive-mode if it
24466 is, non-interactively otherwise.
24467
24468 In the vast majority of cases, the debugger should be able to guess
24469 correctly which mode should be used. But this setting can be useful
24470 in certain specific cases, such as running a MinGW @value{GDBN}
24471 inside a cygwin window.
24472
24473 @kindex show interactive-mode
24474 @item show interactive-mode
24475 Displays whether the debugger is operating in interactive mode or not.
24476 @end table
24477
24478 @node Extending GDB
24479 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
24480 @cindex extending GDB
24481
24482 @value{GDBN} provides several mechanisms for extension.
24483 @value{GDBN} also provides the ability to automatically load
24484 extensions when it reads a file for debugging. This allows the
24485 user to automatically customize @value{GDBN} for the program
24486 being debugged.
24487
24488 @menu
24489 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of @value{GDBN} Commands
24490 * Python:: Extending @value{GDBN} using Python
24491 * Guile:: Extending @value{GDBN} using Guile
24492 * Auto-loading extensions:: Automatically loading extensions
24493 * Multiple Extension Languages:: Working with multiple extension languages
24494 * Aliases:: Creating new spellings of existing commands
24495 @end menu
24496
24497 To facilitate the use of extension languages, @value{GDBN} is capable
24498 of evaluating the contents of a file. When doing so, @value{GDBN}
24499 can recognize which extension language is being used by looking at
24500 the filename extension. Files with an unrecognized filename extension
24501 are always treated as a @value{GDBN} Command Files.
24502 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
24503
24504 You can control how @value{GDBN} evaluates these files with the following
24505 setting:
24506
24507 @table @code
24508 @kindex set script-extension
24509 @kindex show script-extension
24510 @item set script-extension off
24511 All scripts are always evaluated as @value{GDBN} Command Files.
24512
24513 @item set script-extension soft
24514 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
24515 extension. If this scripting language is supported, @value{GDBN}
24516 evaluates the script using that language. Otherwise, it evaluates
24517 the file as a @value{GDBN} Command File.
24518
24519 @item set script-extension strict
24520 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
24521 extension, and evaluates the script using that language. If the
24522 language is not supported, then the evaluation fails.
24523
24524 @item show script-extension
24525 Display the current value of the @code{script-extension} option.
24526
24527 @end table
24528
24529 @node Sequences
24530 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
24531
24532 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
24533 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
24534 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
24535 files.
24536
24537 @menu
24538 * Define:: How to define your own commands
24539 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
24540 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
24541 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
24542 * Auto-loading sequences:: Controlling auto-loaded command files
24543 @end menu
24544
24545 @node Define
24546 @subsection User-defined Commands
24547
24548 @cindex user-defined command
24549 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
24550 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
24551 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
24552 @code{define} command. User commands may accept an unlimited number of arguments
24553 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
24554 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$argN}. A trivial example:
24555
24556 @smallexample
24557 define adder
24558 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
24559 end
24560 @end smallexample
24561
24562 @noindent
24563 To execute the command use:
24564
24565 @smallexample
24566 adder 1 2 3
24567 @end smallexample
24568
24569 @noindent
24570 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
24571 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
24572 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
24573 functions calls.
24574
24575 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
24576 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
24577 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
24578 been passed.
24579
24580 @smallexample
24581 define adder
24582 if $argc == 2
24583 print $arg0 + $arg1
24584 end
24585 if $argc == 3
24586 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
24587 end
24588 end
24589 @end smallexample
24590
24591 Combining with the @code{eval} command (@pxref{eval}) makes it easier
24592 to process a variable number of arguments:
24593
24594 @smallexample
24595 define adder
24596 set $i = 0
24597 set $sum = 0
24598 while $i < $argc
24599 eval "set $sum = $sum + $arg%d", $i
24600 set $i = $i + 1
24601 end
24602 print $sum
24603 end
24604 @end smallexample
24605
24606 @table @code
24607
24608 @kindex define
24609 @item define @var{commandname}
24610 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
24611 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
24612 The argument @var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
24613 numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
24614 prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
24615 a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
24616
24617 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
24618 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
24619 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
24620
24621 @kindex document
24622 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
24623 @item document @var{commandname}
24624 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
24625 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
24626 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
24627 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
24628 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
24629 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
24630
24631 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
24632 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
24633 does not change the documentation.
24634
24635 @kindex dont-repeat
24636 @cindex don't repeat command
24637 @item dont-repeat
24638 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
24639 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
24640 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
24641
24642 @kindex help user-defined
24643 @item help user-defined
24644 List all user-defined commands and all python commands defined in class
24645 COMAND_USER. The first line of the documentation or docstring is
24646 included (if any).
24647
24648 @kindex show user
24649 @item show user
24650 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
24651 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
24652 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
24653 definitions for all user-defined commands.
24654 This does not work for user-defined python commands.
24655
24656 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
24657 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
24658 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
24659 @item show max-user-call-depth
24660 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
24661 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
24662 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
24663 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
24664 This does not apply to user-defined python commands.
24665 @end table
24666
24667 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
24668 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
24669
24670 When user-defined commands are executed, the
24671 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
24672 stops execution of the user-defined command.
24673
24674 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
24675 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
24676 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
24677 messages when used in a user-defined command.
24678
24679 @node Hooks
24680 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
24681 @cindex command hooks
24682 @cindex hooks, for commands
24683 @cindex hooks, pre-command
24684
24685 @kindex hook
24686 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
24687 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
24688 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
24689 before that command.
24690
24691 @cindex hooks, post-command
24692 @kindex hookpost
24693 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
24694 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
24695 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
24696 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
24697 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
24698
24699 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
24700 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
24701
24702 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
24703 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
24704
24705 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
24706 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
24707 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
24708 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
24709 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
24710
24711 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
24712 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
24713 you could define:
24714
24715 @smallexample
24716 define hook-stop
24717 handle SIGALRM nopass
24718 end
24719
24720 define hook-run
24721 handle SIGALRM pass
24722 end
24723
24724 define hook-continue
24725 handle SIGALRM pass
24726 end
24727 @end smallexample
24728
24729 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
24730 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
24731 you could define:
24732
24733 @smallexample
24734 define hook-echo
24735 echo <<<---
24736 end
24737
24738 define hookpost-echo
24739 echo --->>>\n
24740 end
24741
24742 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
24743 <<<---Hello World--->>>
24744 (@value{GDBP})
24745
24746 @end smallexample
24747
24748 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
24749 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
24750 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
24751 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
24752 @c or not?
24753 You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
24754 @code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
24755 @samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
24756
24757 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
24758 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
24759 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
24760
24761 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
24762 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
24763
24764 @node Command Files
24765 @subsection Command Files
24766
24767 @cindex command files
24768 @cindex scripting commands
24769 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
24770 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
24771 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
24772 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
24773 terminal.
24774
24775 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
24776 command. Note that the @code{source} command is also used to evaluate
24777 scripts that are not Command Files. The exact behavior can be configured
24778 using the @code{script-extension} setting.
24779 @xref{Extending GDB,, Extending GDB}.
24780
24781 @table @code
24782 @kindex source
24783 @cindex execute commands from a file
24784 @item source [-s] [-v] @var{filename}
24785 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
24786 @end table
24787
24788 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
24789 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
24790 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
24791 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
24792 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
24793
24794 @value{GDBN} first searches for @var{filename} in the current directory.
24795 If the file is not found there, and @var{filename} does not specify a
24796 directory, then @value{GDBN} also looks for the file on the source search path
24797 (specified with the @samp{directory} command);
24798 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched because the compilation directory
24799 is not relevant to scripts.
24800
24801 If @code{-s} is specified, then @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename}
24802 on the search path even if @var{filename} specifies a directory.
24803 The search is done by appending @var{filename} to each element of the
24804 search path. So, for example, if @var{filename} is @file{mylib/myscript}
24805 and the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
24806 look for the script @file{/home/user/mylib/myscript}.
24807 The search is also done if @var{filename} is an absolute path.
24808 For example, if @var{filename} is @file{/tmp/myscript} and
24809 the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
24810 look for the script @file{/home/user/tmp/myscript}.
24811 For DOS-like systems, if @var{filename} contains a drive specification,
24812 it is stripped before concatenation. For example, if @var{filename} is
24813 @file{d:myscript} and the search path contains @file{c:/tmp} then @value{GDBN}
24814 will look for the script @file{c:/tmp/myscript}.
24815
24816 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
24817 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
24818 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
24819
24820 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
24821 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
24822 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
24823 when called from command files.
24824
24825 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
24826 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
24827 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
24828 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
24829 the next command.
24830
24831 @smallexample
24832 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
24833 @end smallexample
24834
24835 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
24836 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
24837 would be directed to @file{log}.
24838
24839 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
24840 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
24841 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
24842 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
24843 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
24844 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
24845 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
24846 conditionally, etc.
24847
24848 @table @code
24849 @kindex if
24850 @kindex else
24851 @item if
24852 @itemx else
24853 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
24854 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
24855 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
24856 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
24857 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
24858 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
24859 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
24860
24861 @kindex while
24862 @item while
24863 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
24864 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
24865 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
24866 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
24867 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
24868 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
24869
24870 @kindex loop_break
24871 @item loop_break
24872 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
24873 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
24874 line.
24875
24876 @kindex loop_continue
24877 @item loop_continue
24878 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
24879 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
24880 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
24881 the controlling expression.
24882
24883 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
24884 @item end
24885 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
24886 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
24887 @end table
24888
24889
24890 @node Output
24891 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
24892
24893 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
24894 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
24895 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
24896 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
24897 want.
24898
24899 @table @code
24900 @kindex echo
24901 @item echo @var{text}
24902 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
24903 @c because it is not in ANSI.
24904 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
24905 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
24906 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
24907 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
24908 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
24909 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
24910 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
24911 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
24912 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
24913
24914 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
24915 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
24916
24917 @smallexample
24918 echo This is some text\n\
24919 which is continued\n\
24920 onto several lines.\n
24921 @end smallexample
24922
24923 produces the same output as
24924
24925 @smallexample
24926 echo This is some text\n
24927 echo which is continued\n
24928 echo onto several lines.\n
24929 @end smallexample
24930
24931 @kindex output
24932 @item output @var{expression}
24933 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
24934 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
24935 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
24936 on expressions.
24937
24938 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
24939 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
24940 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
24941 Formats}, for more information.
24942
24943 @kindex printf
24944 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
24945 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
24946 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
24947 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
24948 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
24949 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
24950 executing the code below:
24951
24952 @smallexample
24953 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
24954 @end smallexample
24955
24956 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
24957 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
24958 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
24959 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
24960 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
24961 printed.
24962
24963 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
24964
24965 @smallexample
24966 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
24967 @end smallexample
24968
24969 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
24970 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
24971 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
24972
24973 @itemize @bullet
24974 @item
24975 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
24976
24977 @item
24978 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
24979 width.
24980
24981 @item
24982 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
24983 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
24984
24985 @item
24986 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
24987 supported.
24988
24989 @item
24990 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
24991
24992 @item
24993 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
24994 @end itemize
24995
24996 @noindent
24997 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
24998 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
24999 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
25000 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
25001
25002 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
25003 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
25004 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
25005 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
25006 supported.
25007
25008 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
25009 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
25010 together with a floating point specifier.
25011 letters:
25012
25013 @itemize @bullet
25014 @item
25015 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
25016
25017 @item
25018 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
25019
25020 @item
25021 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
25022 @end itemize
25023
25024 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
25025 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
25026 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
25027
25028 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
25029 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
25030
25031 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
25032 @smallexample
25033 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
25034 @end smallexample
25035
25036 @anchor{eval}
25037 @kindex eval
25038 @item eval @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
25039 Convert the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
25040 the string @var{template} to a command line, and call it.
25041
25042 @end table
25043
25044 @node Auto-loading sequences
25045 @subsection Controlling auto-loading native @value{GDBN} scripts
25046 @cindex native script auto-loading
25047
25048 When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
25049 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
25050 @value{GDBN} will look for the command file @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}.
25051 @xref{Auto-loading extensions}.
25052
25053 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
25054 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
25055
25056 @table @code
25057 @anchor{set auto-load gdb-scripts}
25058 @kindex set auto-load gdb-scripts
25059 @item set auto-load gdb-scripts [on|off]
25060 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts.
25061
25062 @anchor{show auto-load gdb-scripts}
25063 @kindex show auto-load gdb-scripts
25064 @item show auto-load gdb-scripts
25065 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is enabled or
25066 disabled.
25067
25068 @anchor{info auto-load gdb-scripts}
25069 @kindex info auto-load gdb-scripts
25070 @cindex print list of auto-loaded canned sequences of commands scripts
25071 @item info auto-load gdb-scripts [@var{regexp}]
25072 Print the list of all canned sequences of commands scripts that @value{GDBN}
25073 auto-loaded.
25074 @end table
25075
25076 If @var{regexp} is supplied only canned sequences of commands scripts with
25077 matching names are printed.
25078
25079 @c Python docs live in a separate file.
25080 @include python.texi
25081
25082 @c Guile docs live in a separate file.
25083 @include guile.texi
25084
25085 @node Auto-loading extensions
25086 @section Auto-loading extensions
25087 @cindex auto-loading extensions
25088
25089 @value{GDBN} provides two mechanisms for automatically loading extensions
25090 when a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
25091 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library):
25092 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} and the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}
25093 section of modern file formats like ELF.
25094
25095 @menu
25096 * objfile-gdb.ext file: objfile-gdbdotext file. The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} file
25097 * .debug_gdb_scripts section: dotdebug_gdb_scripts section. The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
25098 * Which flavor to choose?::
25099 @end menu
25100
25101 The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
25102 debugging commands and features.
25103
25104 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
25105 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
25106 See the @samp{auto-loading} section of each extension language
25107 for more information.
25108 For @value{GDBN} command files see @ref{Auto-loading sequences}.
25109 For Python files see @ref{Python Auto-loading}.
25110
25111 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
25112 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
25113
25114 @node objfile-gdbdotext file
25115 @subsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} file
25116 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
25117 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
25118 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.scm}
25119
25120 When a new object file is read, @value{GDBN} looks for a file named
25121 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} (we call it @var{script-name} below),
25122 where @var{objfile} is the object file's name and
25123 where @var{ext} is the file extension for the extension language:
25124
25125 @table @code
25126 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
25127 GDB's own command language
25128 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
25129 Python
25130 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.scm}
25131 Guile
25132 @end table
25133
25134 @var{script-name} is formed by ensuring that the file name of @var{objfile}
25135 is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving @code{.} and @code{..}
25136 components, and appending the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} suffix.
25137 If this file exists and is readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a
25138 script in the specified extension language.
25139
25140 If this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
25141 @var{script-name} file in all of the directories as specified below.
25142
25143 Note that loading of these files requires an accordingly configured
25144 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
25145
25146 For object files using @file{.exe} suffix @value{GDBN} tries to load first the
25147 scripts normally according to its @file{.exe} filename. But if no scripts are
25148 found @value{GDBN} also tries script filenames matching the object file without
25149 its @file{.exe} suffix. This @file{.exe} stripping is case insensitive and it
25150 is attempted on any platform. This makes the script filenames compatible
25151 between Unix and MS-Windows hosts.
25152
25153 @table @code
25154 @anchor{set auto-load scripts-directory}
25155 @kindex set auto-load scripts-directory
25156 @item set auto-load scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
25157 Control @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location. Multiple directory entries
25158 may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use
25159 (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS).
25160
25161 Each entry here needs to be covered also by the security setting
25162 @code{set auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{set auto-load safe-path}).
25163
25164 @anchor{with-auto-load-dir}
25165 This variable defaults to @file{$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load}. The default
25166 @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by @value{GDBN}
25167 configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-dir}.
25168
25169 Any reference to @file{$debugdir} will get replaced by
25170 @var{debug-file-directory} value (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}) and any
25171 reference to @file{$datadir} will get replaced by @var{data-directory} which is
25172 determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}). @file{$debugdir} and
25173 @file{$datadir} must be placed as a directory component --- either alone or
25174 delimited by @file{/} or @file{\} directory separators, depending on the host
25175 platform.
25176
25177 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
25178 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
25179 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
25180
25181 @anchor{show auto-load scripts-directory}
25182 @kindex show auto-load scripts-directory
25183 @item show auto-load scripts-directory
25184 Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
25185
25186 @anchor{add-auto-load-scripts-directory}
25187 @kindex add-auto-load-scripts-directory
25188 @item add-auto-load-scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@dots{}@r{]}
25189 Add an entry (or list of entries) to the list of auto-loaded scripts locations.
25190 Multiple entries may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use.
25191 @end table
25192
25193 @value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded this way.
25194 @value{GDBN} will load the associated script every time the corresponding
25195 @var{objfile} is opened.
25196 So your @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} file should be careful to avoid errors if it
25197 is evaluated more than once.
25198
25199 @node dotdebug_gdb_scripts section
25200 @subsection The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
25201 @cindex @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
25202
25203 For systems using file formats like ELF and COFF,
25204 when @value{GDBN} loads a new object file
25205 it will look for a special section named @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
25206 If this section exists, its contents is a list of null-terminated entries
25207 specifying scripts to load. Each entry begins with a non-null prefix byte that
25208 specifies the kind of entry, typically the extension language and whether the
25209 script is in a file or inlined in @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
25210
25211 The following entries are supported:
25212
25213 @table @code
25214 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_FILE = 1
25215 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_SCHEME_FILE = 3
25216 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_TEXT = 4
25217 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_SCHEME_TEXT = 6
25218 @end table
25219
25220 @subsubsection Script File Entries
25221
25222 If the entry specifies a file, @value{GDBN} will look for the file first
25223 in the current directory and then along the source search path
25224 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}),
25225 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched, since the compilation
25226 directory is not relevant to scripts.
25227
25228 File entries can be placed in section @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} with,
25229 for example, this GCC macro for Python scripts.
25230
25231 @example
25232 /* Note: The "MS" section flags are to remove duplicates. */
25233 #define DEFINE_GDB_PY_SCRIPT(script_name) \
25234 asm("\
25235 .pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n\
25236 .byte 1 /* Python */\n\
25237 .asciz \"" script_name "\"\n\
25238 .popsection \n\
25239 ");
25240 @end example
25241
25242 @noindent
25243 For Guile scripts, replace @code{.byte 1} with @code{.byte 3}.
25244 Then one can reference the macro in a header or source file like this:
25245
25246 @example
25247 DEFINE_GDB_PY_SCRIPT ("my-app-scripts.py")
25248 @end example
25249
25250 The script name may include directories if desired.
25251
25252 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
25253 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
25254
25255 If the macro invocation is put in a header, any application or library
25256 using this header will get a reference to the specified script,
25257 and with the use of @code{"MS"} attributes on the section, the linker
25258 will remove duplicates.
25259
25260 @subsubsection Script Text Entries
25261
25262 Script text entries allow to put the executable script in the entry
25263 itself instead of loading it from a file.
25264 The first line of the entry, everything after the prefix byte and up to
25265 the first newline (@code{0xa}) character, is the script name, and must not
25266 contain any kind of space character, e.g., spaces or tabs.
25267 The rest of the entry, up to the trailing null byte, is the script to
25268 execute in the specified language. The name needs to be unique among
25269 all script names, as @value{GDBN} executes each script only once based
25270 on its name.
25271
25272 Here is an example from file @file{py-section-script.c} in the @value{GDBN}
25273 testsuite.
25274
25275 @example
25276 #include "symcat.h"
25277 #include "gdb/section-scripts.h"
25278 asm(
25279 ".pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n"
25280 ".byte " XSTRING (SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_TEXT) "\n"
25281 ".ascii \"gdb.inlined-script\\n\"\n"
25282 ".ascii \"class test_cmd (gdb.Command):\\n\"\n"
25283 ".ascii \" def __init__ (self):\\n\"\n"
25284 ".ascii \" super (test_cmd, self).__init__ ("
25285 "\\\"test-cmd\\\", gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE)\\n\"\n"
25286 ".ascii \" def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):\\n\"\n"
25287 ".ascii \" print (\\\"test-cmd output, arg = %s\\\" % arg)\\n\"\n"
25288 ".ascii \"test_cmd ()\\n\"\n"
25289 ".byte 0\n"
25290 ".popsection\n"
25291 );
25292 @end example
25293
25294 Loading of inlined scripts requires a properly configured
25295 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
25296 The path to specify in @code{auto-load safe-path} is the path of the file
25297 containing the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section.
25298
25299 @node Which flavor to choose?
25300 @subsection Which flavor to choose?
25301
25302 Given the multiple ways of auto-loading extensions, it might not always
25303 be clear which one to choose. This section provides some guidance.
25304
25305 @noindent
25306 Benefits of the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} way:
25307
25308 @itemize @bullet
25309 @item
25310 Can be used with file formats that don't support multiple sections.
25311
25312 @item
25313 Ease of finding scripts for public libraries.
25314
25315 Scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section are searched for
25316 in the source search path.
25317 For publicly installed libraries, e.g., @file{libstdc++}, there typically
25318 isn't a source directory in which to find the script.
25319
25320 @item
25321 Doesn't require source code additions.
25322 @end itemize
25323
25324 @noindent
25325 Benefits of the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} way:
25326
25327 @itemize @bullet
25328 @item
25329 Works with static linking.
25330
25331 Scripts for libraries done the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} way require an objfile to
25332 trigger their loading. When an application is statically linked the only
25333 objfile available is the executable, and it is cumbersome to attach all the
25334 scripts from all the input libraries to the executable's
25335 @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} script.
25336
25337 @item
25338 Works with classes that are entirely inlined.
25339
25340 Some classes can be entirely inlined, and thus there may not be an associated
25341 shared library to attach a @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} script to.
25342
25343 @item
25344 Scripts needn't be copied out of the source tree.
25345
25346 In some circumstances, apps can be built out of large collections of internal
25347 libraries, and the build infrastructure necessary to install the
25348 @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} scripts in a place where @value{GDBN} can find them is
25349 cumbersome. It may be easier to specify the scripts in the
25350 @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section as relative paths, and add a path to the
25351 top of the source tree to the source search path.
25352 @end itemize
25353
25354 @node Multiple Extension Languages
25355 @section Multiple Extension Languages
25356
25357 The Guile and Python extension languages do not share any state,
25358 and generally do not interfere with each other.
25359 There are some things to be aware of, however.
25360
25361 @subsection Python comes first
25362
25363 Python was @value{GDBN}'s first extension language, and to avoid breaking
25364 existing behaviour Python comes first. This is generally solved by the
25365 ``first one wins'' principle. @value{GDBN} maintains a list of enabled
25366 extension languages, and when it makes a call to an extension language,
25367 (say to pretty-print a value), it tries each in turn until an extension
25368 language indicates it has performed the request (e.g., has returned the
25369 pretty-printed form of a value).
25370 This extends to errors while performing such requests: If an error happens
25371 while, for example, trying to pretty-print an object then the error is
25372 reported and any following extension languages are not tried.
25373
25374 @node Aliases
25375 @section Creating new spellings of existing commands
25376 @cindex aliases for commands
25377
25378 It is often useful to define alternate spellings of existing commands.
25379 For example, if a new @value{GDBN} command defined in Python has
25380 a long name to type, it is handy to have an abbreviated version of it
25381 that involves less typing.
25382
25383 @value{GDBN} itself uses aliases. For example @samp{s} is an alias
25384 of the @samp{step} command even though it is otherwise an ambiguous
25385 abbreviation of other commands like @samp{set} and @samp{show}.
25386
25387 Aliases are also used to provide shortened or more common versions
25388 of multi-word commands. For example, @value{GDBN} provides the
25389 @samp{tty} alias of the @samp{set inferior-tty} command.
25390
25391 You can define a new alias with the @samp{alias} command.
25392
25393 @table @code
25394
25395 @kindex alias
25396 @item alias [-a] [--] @var{ALIAS} = @var{COMMAND}
25397
25398 @end table
25399
25400 @var{ALIAS} specifies the name of the new alias.
25401 Each word of @var{ALIAS} must consist of letters, numbers, dashes and
25402 underscores.
25403
25404 @var{COMMAND} specifies the name of an existing command
25405 that is being aliased.
25406
25407 The @samp{-a} option specifies that the new alias is an abbreviation
25408 of the command. Abbreviations are not shown in command
25409 lists displayed by the @samp{help} command.
25410
25411 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
25412 and is useful when @var{ALIAS} begins with a dash.
25413
25414 Here is a simple example showing how to make an abbreviation
25415 of a command so that there is less to type.
25416 Suppose you were tired of typing @samp{disas}, the current
25417 shortest unambiguous abbreviation of the @samp{disassemble} command
25418 and you wanted an even shorter version named @samp{di}.
25419 The following will accomplish this.
25420
25421 @smallexample
25422 (gdb) alias -a di = disas
25423 @end smallexample
25424
25425 Note that aliases are different from user-defined commands.
25426 With a user-defined command, you also need to write documentation
25427 for it with the @samp{document} command.
25428 An alias automatically picks up the documentation of the existing command.
25429
25430 Here is an example where we make @samp{elms} an abbreviation of
25431 @samp{elements} in the @samp{set print elements} command.
25432 This is to show that you can make an abbreviation of any part
25433 of a command.
25434
25435 @smallexample
25436 (gdb) alias -a set print elms = set print elements
25437 (gdb) alias -a show print elms = show print elements
25438 (gdb) set p elms 20
25439 (gdb) show p elms
25440 Limit on string chars or array elements to print is 200.
25441 @end smallexample
25442
25443 Note that if you are defining an alias of a @samp{set} command,
25444 and you want to have an alias for the corresponding @samp{show}
25445 command, then you need to define the latter separately.
25446
25447 Unambiguously abbreviated commands are allowed in @var{COMMAND} and
25448 @var{ALIAS}, just as they are normally.
25449
25450 @smallexample
25451 (gdb) alias -a set pr elms = set p ele
25452 @end smallexample
25453
25454 Finally, here is an example showing the creation of a one word
25455 alias for a more complex command.
25456 This creates alias @samp{spe} of the command @samp{set print elements}.
25457
25458 @smallexample
25459 (gdb) alias spe = set print elements
25460 (gdb) spe 20
25461 @end smallexample
25462
25463 @node Interpreters
25464 @chapter Command Interpreters
25465 @cindex command interpreters
25466
25467 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
25468 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
25469 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
25470
25471 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
25472 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
25473 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
25474 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
25475
25476 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
25477 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
25478 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
25479 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
25480
25481 @table @code
25482 @item console
25483 @cindex console interpreter
25484 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
25485 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
25486 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
25487
25488 @item mi
25489 @cindex mi interpreter
25490 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
25491 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
25492 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
25493 Interface}.
25494
25495 @item mi2
25496 @cindex mi2 interpreter
25497 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
25498
25499 @item mi1
25500 @cindex mi1 interpreter
25501 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
25502
25503 @end table
25504
25505 @cindex invoke another interpreter
25506
25507 @kindex interpreter-exec
25508 You may execute commands in any interpreter from the current
25509 interpreter using the appropriate command. If you are running the
25510 console interpreter, simply use the @code{interpreter-exec} command:
25511
25512 @smallexample
25513 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
25514 @end smallexample
25515
25516 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
25517 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
25518
25519 Note that @code{interpreter-exec} only changes the interpreter for the
25520 duration of the specified command. It does not change the interpreter
25521 permanently.
25522
25523 @cindex start a new independent interpreter
25524
25525 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, it is
25526 possible to run an independent interpreter on a specified input/output
25527 device (usually a tty).
25528
25529 For example, consider a debugger GUI or IDE that wants to provide a
25530 @value{GDBN} console view. It may do so by embedding a terminal
25531 emulator widget in its GUI, starting @value{GDBN} in the traditional
25532 command-line mode with stdin/stdout/stderr redirected to that
25533 terminal, and then creating an MI interpreter running on a specified
25534 input/output device. The console interpreter created by @value{GDBN}
25535 at startup handles commands the user types in the terminal widget,
25536 while the GUI controls and synchronizes state with @value{GDBN} using
25537 the separate MI interpreter.
25538
25539 To start a new secondary @dfn{user interface} running MI, use the
25540 @code{new-ui} command:
25541
25542 @kindex new-ui
25543 @cindex new user interface
25544 @smallexample
25545 new-ui @var{interpreter} @var{tty}
25546 @end smallexample
25547
25548 The @var{interpreter} parameter specifies the interpreter to run.
25549 This accepts the same values as the @code{interpreter-exec} command.
25550 For example, @samp{console}, @samp{mi}, @samp{mi2}, etc. The
25551 @var{tty} parameter specifies the name of the bidirectional file the
25552 interpreter uses for input/output, usually the name of a
25553 pseudoterminal slave on Unix systems. For example:
25554
25555 @smallexample
25556 (@value{GDBP}) new-ui mi /dev/pts/9
25557 @end smallexample
25558
25559 @noindent
25560 runs an MI interpreter on @file{/dev/pts/9}.
25561
25562 @node TUI
25563 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
25564 @cindex TUI
25565 @cindex Text User Interface
25566
25567 @menu
25568 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
25569 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
25570 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
25571 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
25572 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
25573 @end menu
25574
25575 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
25576 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
25577 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
25578 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
25579 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
25580 is available.
25581
25582 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
25583 @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
25584 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
25585 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @command{tui
25586 enable} or @kbd{C-x C-a}. @xref{TUI Commands, ,TUI Commands}, and
25587 @ref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
25588
25589 @node TUI Overview
25590 @section TUI Overview
25591
25592 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
25593
25594 @table @emph
25595 @item command
25596 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
25597 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
25598 managed using readline.
25599
25600 @item source
25601 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
25602 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
25603
25604 @item assembly
25605 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
25606
25607 @item register
25608 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
25609 when their values change.
25610 @end table
25611
25612 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
25613 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
25614 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
25615 indicates the breakpoint type:
25616
25617 @table @code
25618 @item B
25619 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
25620
25621 @item b
25622 Breakpoint which was never hit.
25623
25624 @item H
25625 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
25626
25627 @item h
25628 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
25629 @end table
25630
25631 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
25632
25633 @table @code
25634 @item +
25635 Breakpoint is enabled.
25636
25637 @item -
25638 Breakpoint is disabled.
25639 @end table
25640
25641 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
25642 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
25643 changes.
25644
25645 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
25646 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
25647 layouts:
25648
25649 @itemize @bullet
25650 @item
25651 source only,
25652
25653 @item
25654 assembly only,
25655
25656 @item
25657 source and assembly,
25658
25659 @item
25660 source and registers, or
25661
25662 @item
25663 assembly and registers.
25664 @end itemize
25665
25666 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
25667
25668 @table @emph
25669 @item target
25670 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
25671 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
25672
25673 @item process
25674 Gives the current process or thread number.
25675 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
25676
25677 @item function
25678 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
25679 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
25680 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
25681 the string @code{??} is displayed.
25682
25683 @item line
25684 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
25685 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
25686
25687 @item pc
25688 Indicates the current program counter address.
25689 @end table
25690
25691 @node TUI Keys
25692 @section TUI Key Bindings
25693 @cindex TUI key bindings
25694
25695 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
25696 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
25697 (@pxref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library}).
25698 @end ifset
25699 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
25700 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}).
25701 @end ifclear
25702 The following key bindings are installed for both TUI mode and the
25703 @value{GDBN} standard mode.
25704
25705 @table @kbd
25706 @kindex C-x C-a
25707 @item C-x C-a
25708 @kindex C-x a
25709 @itemx C-x a
25710 @kindex C-x A
25711 @itemx C-x A
25712 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
25713 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
25714 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
25715 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
25716 The screen is then refreshed.
25717
25718 @kindex C-x 1
25719 @item C-x 1
25720 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
25721 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
25722 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
25723
25724 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
25725
25726 @kindex C-x 2
25727 @item C-x 2
25728 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
25729 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
25730 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
25731 previous layout and the new one.
25732
25733 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
25734
25735 @kindex C-x o
25736 @item C-x o
25737 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
25738 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
25739 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
25740
25741 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
25742
25743 @kindex C-x s
25744 @item C-x s
25745 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
25746 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
25747 @end table
25748
25749 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
25750
25751 @table @asis
25752 @kindex PgUp
25753 @item @key{PgUp}
25754 Scroll the active window one page up.
25755
25756 @kindex PgDn
25757 @item @key{PgDn}
25758 Scroll the active window one page down.
25759
25760 @kindex Up
25761 @item @key{Up}
25762 Scroll the active window one line up.
25763
25764 @kindex Down
25765 @item @key{Down}
25766 Scroll the active window one line down.
25767
25768 @kindex Left
25769 @item @key{Left}
25770 Scroll the active window one column left.
25771
25772 @kindex Right
25773 @item @key{Right}
25774 Scroll the active window one column right.
25775
25776 @kindex C-L
25777 @item @kbd{C-L}
25778 Refresh the screen.
25779 @end table
25780
25781 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
25782 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
25783 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
25784 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
25785 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
25786
25787 @node TUI Single Key Mode
25788 @section TUI Single Key Mode
25789 @cindex TUI single key mode
25790
25791 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
25792 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
25793 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
25794
25795 @table @kbd
25796 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25797 @item c
25798 continue
25799
25800 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25801 @item d
25802 down
25803
25804 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25805 @item f
25806 finish
25807
25808 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25809 @item n
25810 next
25811
25812 @kindex o @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25813 @item o
25814 nexti. The shortcut letter @samp{o} stands for ``step Over''.
25815
25816 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25817 @item q
25818 exit the SingleKey mode.
25819
25820 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25821 @item r
25822 run
25823
25824 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25825 @item s
25826 step
25827
25828 @kindex i @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25829 @item i
25830 stepi. The shortcut letter @samp{i} stands for ``step Into''.
25831
25832 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25833 @item u
25834 up
25835
25836 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25837 @item v
25838 info locals
25839
25840 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25841 @item w
25842 where
25843 @end table
25844
25845 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
25846 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
25847 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
25848 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
25849 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
25850 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
25851
25852
25853 @node TUI Commands
25854 @section TUI-specific Commands
25855 @cindex TUI commands
25856
25857 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
25858 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
25859 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
25860 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
25861
25862 Note that if @value{GDBN}'s @code{stdout} is not connected to a
25863 terminal, or @value{GDBN} has been started with the machine interface
25864 interpreter (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}), most of
25865 these commands will fail with an error, because it would not be
25866 possible or desirable to enable curses window management.
25867
25868 @table @code
25869 @item tui enable
25870 @kindex tui enable
25871 Activate TUI mode. The last active TUI window layout will be used if
25872 TUI mode has prevsiouly been used in the current debugging session,
25873 otherwise a default layout is used.
25874
25875 @item tui disable
25876 @kindex tui disable
25877 Disable TUI mode, returning to the console interpreter.
25878
25879 @item info win
25880 @kindex info win
25881 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
25882
25883 @item layout @var{name}
25884 @kindex layout
25885 Changes which TUI windows are displayed. In each layout the command
25886 window is always displayed, the @var{name} parameter controls which
25887 additional windows are displayed, and can be any of the following:
25888
25889 @table @code
25890 @item next
25891 Display the next layout.
25892
25893 @item prev
25894 Display the previous layout.
25895
25896 @item src
25897 Display the source and command windows.
25898
25899 @item asm
25900 Display the assembly and command windows.
25901
25902 @item split
25903 Display the source, assembly, and command windows.
25904
25905 @item regs
25906 When in @code{src} layout display the register, source, and command
25907 windows. When in @code{asm} or @code{split} layout display the
25908 register, assembler, and command windows.
25909 @end table
25910
25911 @item focus @var{name}
25912 @kindex focus
25913 Changes which TUI window is currently active for scrolling. The
25914 @var{name} parameter can be any of the following:
25915
25916 @table @code
25917 @item next
25918 Make the next window active for scrolling.
25919
25920 @item prev
25921 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
25922
25923 @item src
25924 Make the source window active for scrolling.
25925
25926 @item asm
25927 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
25928
25929 @item regs
25930 Make the register window active for scrolling.
25931
25932 @item cmd
25933 Make the command window active for scrolling.
25934 @end table
25935
25936 @item refresh
25937 @kindex refresh
25938 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
25939
25940 @item tui reg @var{group}
25941 @kindex tui reg
25942 Changes the register group displayed in the tui register window to
25943 @var{group}. If the register window is not currently displayed this
25944 command will cause the register window to be displayed. The list of
25945 register groups, as well as their order is target specific. The
25946 following groups are available on most targets:
25947 @table @code
25948 @item next
25949 Repeatedly selecting this group will cause the display to cycle
25950 through all of the available register groups.
25951
25952 @item prev
25953 Repeatedly selecting this group will cause the display to cycle
25954 through all of the available register groups in the reverse order to
25955 @var{next}.
25956
25957 @item general
25958 Display the general registers.
25959 @item float
25960 Display the floating point registers.
25961 @item system
25962 Display the system registers.
25963 @item vector
25964 Display the vector registers.
25965 @item all
25966 Display all registers.
25967 @end table
25968
25969 @item update
25970 @kindex update
25971 Update the source window and the current execution point.
25972
25973 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
25974 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
25975 @kindex winheight
25976 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
25977 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
25978 decrease it. The @var{name} parameter can be one of @code{src} (the
25979 source window), @code{cmd} (the command window), @code{asm} (the
25980 disassembly window), or @code{regs} (the register display window).
25981
25982 @item tabset @var{nchars}
25983 @kindex tabset
25984 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters. This
25985 setting affects the display of TAB characters in the source and
25986 assembly windows.
25987 @end table
25988
25989 @node TUI Configuration
25990 @section TUI Configuration Variables
25991 @cindex TUI configuration variables
25992
25993 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
25994
25995 @table @code
25996 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
25997 @kindex set tui border-kind
25998 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
25999 The possible values are the following:
26000 @table @code
26001 @item space
26002 Use a space character to draw the border.
26003
26004 @item ascii
26005 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
26006
26007 @item acs
26008 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
26009 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
26010 @end table
26011
26012 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
26013 @kindex set tui border-mode
26014 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
26015 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
26016 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
26017 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
26018 @table @code
26019 @item normal
26020 Use normal attributes to display the border.
26021
26022 @item standout
26023 Use standout mode.
26024
26025 @item reverse
26026 Use reverse video mode.
26027
26028 @item half
26029 Use half bright mode.
26030
26031 @item half-standout
26032 Use half bright and standout mode.
26033
26034 @item bold
26035 Use extra bright or bold mode.
26036
26037 @item bold-standout
26038 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
26039 @end table
26040 @end table
26041
26042 @node Emacs
26043 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
26044
26045 @cindex Emacs
26046 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
26047 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
26048 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
26049 @value{GDBN}.
26050
26051 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
26052 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
26053 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
26054 created Emacs buffer.
26055 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
26056
26057 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
26058 things:
26059
26060 @itemize @bullet
26061 @item
26062 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
26063 the GUD buffer.
26064
26065 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
26066 and output done by the program you are debugging.
26067
26068 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
26069 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
26070 in this way.
26071
26072 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
26073 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
26074 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
26075 stop.
26076
26077 @item
26078 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
26079
26080 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
26081 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
26082 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
26083 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
26084 and the source.
26085
26086 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
26087 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
26088 @end itemize
26089
26090 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
26091 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
26092 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
26093 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
26094
26095 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
26096 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
26097 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
26098 sets your current working directory to the directory associated
26099 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
26100 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
26101 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
26102 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
26103 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
26104
26105 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
26106 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
26107 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
26108 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
26109
26110 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
26111 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
26112 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
26113 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
26114 one you want.
26115
26116 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
26117 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
26118
26119 @table @kbd
26120 @item C-h m
26121 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
26122
26123 @item C-c C-s
26124 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
26125 update the display window to show the current file and location.
26126
26127 @item C-c C-n
26128 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
26129 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
26130 to show the current file and location.
26131
26132 @item C-c C-i
26133 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
26134 display window accordingly.
26135
26136 @item C-c C-f
26137 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
26138 @code{finish} command.
26139
26140 @item C-c C-r
26141 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
26142 command.
26143
26144 @item C-c <
26145 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
26146 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
26147 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
26148
26149 @item C-c >
26150 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
26151 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
26152 @end table
26153
26154 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
26155 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
26156
26157 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
26158 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
26159 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
26160 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
26161 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
26162 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
26163 speedbar displays watch expressions.
26164
26165 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
26166 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
26167 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
26168 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
26169 frame.
26170
26171 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
26172 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
26173 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
26174 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
26175 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
26176 to correspond properly with the code.
26177
26178 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
26179 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
26180 Emacs Manual}).
26181
26182 @node GDB/MI
26183 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
26184
26185 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
26186
26187 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
26188 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
26189 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
26190 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
26191 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
26192 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
26193
26194 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
26195 in the form of a reference manual.
26196
26197 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
26198 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
26199 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
26200
26201 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
26202
26203 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
26204 This chapter uses the following notation:
26205
26206 @itemize @bullet
26207 @item
26208 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
26209
26210 @item
26211 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
26212 it may or may not be given.
26213
26214 @item
26215 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
26216 may repeat zero or more times.
26217
26218 @item
26219 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
26220 may repeat one or more times.
26221
26222 @item
26223 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
26224 @end itemize
26225
26226 @ignore
26227 @heading Dependencies
26228 @end ignore
26229
26230 @menu
26231 * GDB/MI General Design::
26232 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
26233 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
26234 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
26235 * GDB/MI Output Records::
26236 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
26237 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
26238 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
26239 * GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
26240 * GDB/MI Program Context::
26241 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
26242 * GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands::
26243 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
26244 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
26245 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
26246 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
26247 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
26248 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
26249 * GDB/MI File Commands::
26250 @ignore
26251 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
26252 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
26253 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
26254 @end ignore
26255 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
26256 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
26257 * GDB/MI Ada Exceptions Commands::
26258 * GDB/MI Support Commands::
26259 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
26260 @end menu
26261
26262 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26263 @node GDB/MI General Design
26264 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
26265 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
26266
26267 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
26268 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
26269 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
26270 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
26271 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
26272 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
26273 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
26274 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
26275 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
26276 a command and reported as part of that command response.
26277
26278 The important examples of notifications are:
26279 @itemize @bullet
26280
26281 @item
26282 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
26283 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
26284 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
26285 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
26286 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
26287 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
26288 command itself was successfully executed.
26289
26290 @item
26291 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
26292 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
26293 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
26294 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
26295 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
26296 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
26297
26298 @item
26299 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
26300 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
26301 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
26302 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
26303 orthogonal frontend design.
26304
26305 @end itemize
26306
26307 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
26308 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
26309 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
26310 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
26311 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
26312 the user interface.
26313
26314
26315 @menu
26316 * Context management::
26317 * Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
26318 * Thread groups::
26319 @end menu
26320
26321 @node Context management
26322 @subsection Context management
26323
26324 @subsubsection Threads and Frames
26325
26326 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
26327 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
26328 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
26329 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
26330 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
26331 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
26332 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
26333 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
26334 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
26335
26336 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
26337 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
26338 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
26339 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
26340 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
26341 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
26342 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
26343 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
26344 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
26345 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} global
26346 identifier for thread and frame to operate on.
26347
26348 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
26349 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
26350 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
26351 current thread or frame be changed. For example, when stopping on a
26352 breakpoint it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is
26353 hit. For another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} or
26354 @samp{frame} commands via the frontend, it is desirable to change the
26355 frontend's selection to the one specified by user. @value{GDBN}
26356 communicates the suggestion to change current thread and frame using the
26357 @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
26358
26359 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
26360 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
26361 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
26362 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
26363 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
26364 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
26365 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
26366 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
26367 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
26368 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
26369 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
26370 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
26371 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
26372 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
26373 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
26374 @samp{--frame} options.
26375
26376 @subsubsection Language
26377
26378 The execution of several commands depends on which language is selected.
26379 By default, the current language (@pxref{show language}) is used.
26380 But for commands known to be language-sensitive, it is recommended
26381 to use the @samp{--language} option. This option takes one argument,
26382 which is the name of the language to use while executing the command.
26383 For instance:
26384
26385 @smallexample
26386 -data-evaluate-expression --language c "sizeof (void*)"
26387 ^done,value="4"
26388 (gdb)
26389 @end smallexample
26390
26391 The valid language names are the same names accepted by the
26392 @samp{set language} command (@pxref{Manually}), excluding @samp{auto},
26393 @samp{local} or @samp{unknown}.
26394
26395 @node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
26396 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
26397
26398 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
26399 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
26400 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
26401 specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
26402 @code{-gdb-set mi-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
26403 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
26404 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
26405 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
26406 @code{-list-target-features} command.
26407
26408 @table @code
26409 @item -gdb-set mi-async on
26410 @item -gdb-set mi-async off
26411 Set whether MI is in asynchronous mode.
26412
26413 When @code{off}, which is the default, MI execution commands (e.g.,
26414 @code{-exec-continue}) are foreground commands, and @value{GDBN} waits
26415 for the program to stop before processing further commands.
26416
26417 When @code{on}, MI execution commands are background execution
26418 commands (e.g., @code{-exec-continue} becomes the equivalent of the
26419 @code{c&} CLI command), and so @value{GDBN} is capable of processing
26420 MI commands even while the target is running.
26421
26422 @item -gdb-show mi-async
26423 Show whether MI asynchronous mode is enabled.
26424 @end table
26425
26426 Note: In @value{GDBN} version 7.7 and earlier, this option was called
26427 @code{target-async} instead of @code{mi-async}, and it had the effect
26428 of both putting MI in asynchronous mode and making CLI background
26429 commands possible. CLI background commands are now always possible
26430 ``out of the box'' if the target supports them. The old spelling is
26431 kept as a deprecated alias for backwards compatibility.
26432
26433 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
26434 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
26435 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
26436 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
26437 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
26438 are running.
26439
26440 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
26441 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
26442 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
26443 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
26444 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
26445 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
26446 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
26447 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
26448 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
26449 @samp{--thread} option).
26450
26451 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
26452 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
26453 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
26454 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
26455
26456 @node Thread groups
26457 @subsection Thread groups
26458 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
26459 On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
26460 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
26461 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
26462 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
26463
26464 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
26465 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
26466 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
26467 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
26468 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
26469 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
26470 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
26471 into processes.
26472
26473 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
26474 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
26475 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
26476 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
26477 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
26478 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
26479 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
26480 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
26481 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
26482 the members of specific thread group.
26483
26484 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
26485 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
26486 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
26487 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
26488 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
26489 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
26490 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
26491 after attaching to that thread group.
26492
26493 Thread groups are related to inferiors (@pxref{Inferiors and
26494 Programs}). Each inferior corresponds to a thread group of a special
26495 type @samp{process}, and some additional operations are permitted on
26496 such thread groups.
26497
26498 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26499 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
26500 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
26501
26502 @menu
26503 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
26504 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
26505 @end menu
26506
26507 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
26508 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
26509
26510 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
26511 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
26512 @table @code
26513 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
26514 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
26515
26516 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
26517 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
26518 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
26519
26520 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
26521 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
26522 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
26523
26524 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
26525 "any sequence of digits"
26526
26527 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
26528 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
26529
26530 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
26531 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
26532
26533 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
26534 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
26535
26536 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
26537 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
26538 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
26539
26540 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
26541 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
26542
26543 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
26544 @code{CR | CR-LF}
26545 @end table
26546
26547 @noindent
26548 Notes:
26549
26550 @itemize @bullet
26551 @item
26552 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
26553 output is described below.
26554
26555 @item
26556 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
26557 finishes.
26558
26559 @item
26560 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
26561 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
26562 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
26563 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
26564 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
26565 @end itemize
26566
26567 Pragmatics:
26568
26569 @itemize @bullet
26570 @item
26571 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
26572
26573 @item
26574 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
26575 @end itemize
26576
26577 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
26578 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
26579
26580 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
26581 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
26582 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
26583 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
26584 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
26585 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
26586
26587 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
26588 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
26589 @var{token}.
26590
26591 @table @code
26592 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
26593 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
26594
26595 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
26596 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
26597
26598 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
26599 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
26600
26601 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
26602 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
26603
26604 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
26605 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output nl}}
26606
26607 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
26608 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output nl}}
26609
26610 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
26611 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output nl}}
26612
26613 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
26614 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )*}
26615
26616 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
26617 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
26618
26619 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
26620 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
26621 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
26622
26623 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
26624 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
26625
26626 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
26627 @code{ @var{string} }
26628
26629 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
26630 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
26631
26632 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
26633 @code{@var{c-string}}
26634
26635 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
26636 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
26637
26638 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
26639 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
26640 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
26641
26642 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
26643 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
26644
26645 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
26646 @code{"~" @var{c-string nl}}
26647
26648 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
26649 @code{"@@" @var{c-string nl}}
26650
26651 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
26652 @code{"&" @var{c-string nl}}
26653
26654 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
26655 @code{CR | CR-LF}
26656
26657 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
26658 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
26659 @end table
26660
26661 @noindent
26662 Notes:
26663
26664 @itemize @bullet
26665 @item
26666 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
26667
26668 @item
26669 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
26670 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
26671 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
26672 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
26673 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
26674 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
26675 prior command.
26676
26677 @item
26678 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26679 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
26680 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
26681 prefixed by @samp{+}.
26682
26683 @item
26684 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26685 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
26686 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
26687 @samp{*}.
26688
26689 @item
26690 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26691 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
26692 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
26693 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
26694
26695 @item
26696 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26697 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
26698 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
26699 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
26700
26701 @item
26702 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26703 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
26704 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
26705
26706 @item
26707 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26708 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
26709 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
26710 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
26711
26712 @item
26713 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26714 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
26715 @var{values}.
26716
26717
26718 @end itemize
26719
26720 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
26721 details about the various output records.
26722
26723 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26724 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
26725 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
26726
26727 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
26728 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
26729
26730 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
26731 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
26732 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
26733 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
26734 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
26735 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
26736
26737 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
26738 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
26739 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
26740
26741 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26742 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
26743 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
26744 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
26745
26746 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
26747 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
26748
26749 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
26750 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
26751 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
26752 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
26753 might change.
26754
26755 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
26756 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
26757 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
26758 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
26759
26760 @itemize @bullet
26761 @item
26762 New MI commands may be added.
26763
26764 @item
26765 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
26766
26767 @item
26768 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
26769 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
26770
26771 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
26772 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
26773
26774 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
26775 @c resolve inconsistencies.
26776 @end itemize
26777
26778 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
26779 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
26780 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
26781 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
26782 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
26783
26784 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
26785 @c version?
26786
26787 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
26788 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
26789 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
26790 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
26791 @cindex mailing lists
26792
26793 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26794 @node GDB/MI Output Records
26795 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
26796
26797 @menu
26798 * GDB/MI Result Records::
26799 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
26800 * GDB/MI Async Records::
26801 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Information::
26802 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
26803 * GDB/MI Thread Information::
26804 * GDB/MI Ada Exception Information::
26805 @end menu
26806
26807 @node GDB/MI Result Records
26808 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
26809
26810 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
26811 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
26812 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
26813 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
26814
26815 @table @code
26816 @findex ^done
26817 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
26818 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
26819 values.
26820
26821 @item "^running"
26822 @findex ^running
26823 This result record is equivalent to @samp{^done}. Historically, it
26824 was output instead of @samp{^done} if the command has resumed the
26825 target. This behaviour is maintained for backward compatibility, but
26826 all frontends should treat @samp{^done} and @samp{^running}
26827 identically and rely on the @samp{*running} output record to determine
26828 which threads are resumed.
26829
26830 @item "^connected"
26831 @findex ^connected
26832 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
26833
26834 @item "^error" "," "msg=" @var{c-string} [ "," "code=" @var{c-string} ]
26835 @findex ^error
26836 The operation failed. The @code{msg=@var{c-string}} variable contains
26837 the corresponding error message.
26838
26839 If present, the @code{code=@var{c-string}} variable provides an error
26840 code on which consumers can rely on to detect the corresponding
26841 error condition. At present, only one error code is defined:
26842
26843 @table @samp
26844 @item "undefined-command"
26845 Indicates that the command causing the error does not exist.
26846 @end table
26847
26848 @item "^exit"
26849 @findex ^exit
26850 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
26851
26852 @end table
26853
26854 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
26855 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
26856
26857 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
26858 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
26859 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
26860 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
26861 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
26862
26863 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
26864 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
26865 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
26866 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
26867 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
26868
26869 @table @code
26870 @item "~" @var{string-output}
26871 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
26872 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
26873
26874 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
26875 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
26876 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
26877 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
26878
26879 @item "&" @var{string-output}
26880 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
26881 internals.
26882 @end table
26883
26884 @node GDB/MI Async Records
26885 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
26886
26887 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
26888 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
26889 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
26890 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
26891 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
26892 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
26893
26894 The following is the list of possible async records:
26895
26896 @table @code
26897
26898 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
26899 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field can be the global
26900 thread ID of the the thread that is now running, and it can be
26901 @samp{all} if all threads are running. The frontend should assume
26902 that no interaction with a running thread is possible after this
26903 notification is produced. The frontend should not assume that this
26904 notification is output only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may
26905 emit this notification several times, either for different threads,
26906 because it cannot resume all threads together, or even for a single
26907 thread, if the thread must be stepped though some code before letting
26908 it run freely.
26909
26910 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}",core="@var{core}"
26911 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
26912 following values:
26913
26914 @table @code
26915 @item breakpoint-hit
26916 A breakpoint was reached.
26917 @item watchpoint-trigger
26918 A watchpoint was triggered.
26919 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
26920 A read watchpoint was triggered.
26921 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
26922 An access watchpoint was triggered.
26923 @item function-finished
26924 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
26925 @item location-reached
26926 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
26927 @item watchpoint-scope
26928 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
26929 @item end-stepping-range
26930 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
26931 similar CLI command was accomplished.
26932 @item exited-signalled
26933 The inferior exited because of a signal.
26934 @item exited
26935 The inferior exited.
26936 @item exited-normally
26937 The inferior exited normally.
26938 @item signal-received
26939 A signal was received by the inferior.
26940 @item solib-event
26941 The inferior has stopped due to a library being loaded or unloaded.
26942 This can happen when @code{stop-on-solib-events} (@pxref{Files}) is
26943 set or when a @code{catch load} or @code{catch unload} catchpoint is
26944 in use (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}).
26945 @item fork
26946 The inferior has forked. This is reported when @code{catch fork}
26947 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26948 @item vfork
26949 The inferior has vforked. This is reported in when @code{catch vfork}
26950 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26951 @item syscall-entry
26952 The inferior entered a system call. This is reported when @code{catch
26953 syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26954 @item syscall-return
26955 The inferior returned from a system call. This is reported when
26956 @code{catch syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26957 @item exec
26958 The inferior called @code{exec}. This is reported when @code{catch exec}
26959 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26960 @end table
26961
26962 The @var{id} field identifies the global thread ID of the thread
26963 that directly caused the stop -- for example by hitting a breakpoint.
26964 Depending on whether all-stop
26965 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
26966 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
26967 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
26968 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
26969 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
26970 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
26971 several threads in the list. The @var{core} field reports the
26972 processor core on which the stop event has happened. This field may be absent
26973 if such information is not available.
26974
26975 @item =thread-group-added,id="@var{id}"
26976 @itemx =thread-group-removed,id="@var{id}"
26977 A thread group was either added or removed. The @var{id} field
26978 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. When a thread
26979 group is added, it generally might not be associated with a running
26980 process. When a thread group is removed, its id becomes invalid and
26981 cannot be used in any way.
26982
26983 @item =thread-group-started,id="@var{id}",pid="@var{pid}"
26984 A thread group became associated with a running program,
26985 either because the program was just started or the thread group
26986 was attached to a program. The @var{id} field contains the
26987 @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. The @var{pid} field
26988 contains process identifier, specific to the operating system.
26989
26990 @item =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"[,exit-code="@var{code}"]
26991 A thread group is no longer associated with a running program,
26992 either because the program has exited, or because it was detached
26993 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
26994 thread group. The @var{code} field is the exit code of the inferior; it exists
26995 only when the inferior exited with some code.
26996
26997 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
26998 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
26999 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
27000 contains the global @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
27001 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
27002
27003 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"[,frame="@var{frame}"]
27004 Informs that the selected thread or frame were changed. This notification
27005 is not emitted as result of the @code{-thread-select} or
27006 @code{-stack-select-frame} commands, but is emitted whenever an MI command
27007 that is not documented to change the selected thread and frame actually
27008 changes them. In particular, invoking, directly or indirectly
27009 (via user-defined command), the CLI @code{thread} or @code{frame} commands,
27010 will generate this notification. Changing the thread or frame from another
27011 user interface (see @ref{Interpreters}) will also generate this notification.
27012
27013 The @var{frame} field is only present if the newly selected thread is
27014 stopped. See @ref{GDB/MI Frame Information} for the format of its value.
27015
27016 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
27017 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
27018 that thread.
27019
27020 @item =library-loaded,...
27021 Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
27022 notification has 5 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
27023 @var{host-name}, @var{symbols-loaded} and @var{ranges}. The @var{id} field is an
27024 opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
27025 @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
27026 library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
27027 debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
27028 @var{symbols-loaded} field is emitted only for backward compatibility
27029 and should not be relied on to convey any useful information. The
27030 @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the thread
27031 group in whose context the library was loaded. If the field is
27032 absent, it means the library was loaded in the context of all present
27033 thread groups. The @var{ranges} field specifies the ranges of addresses belonging
27034 to this library.
27035
27036 @item =library-unloaded,...
27037 Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
27038 has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
27039 the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
27040 The @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the
27041 thread group in whose context the library was unloaded. If the field is
27042 absent, it means the library was unloaded in the context of all present
27043 thread groups.
27044
27045 @item =traceframe-changed,num=@var{tfnum},tracepoint=@var{tpnum}
27046 @itemx =traceframe-changed,end
27047 Reports that the trace frame was changed and its new number is
27048 @var{tfnum}. The number of the tracepoint associated with this trace
27049 frame is @var{tpnum}.
27050
27051 @item =tsv-created,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}
27052 Reports that the new trace state variable @var{name} is created with
27053 initial value @var{initial}.
27054
27055 @item =tsv-deleted,name=@var{name}
27056 @itemx =tsv-deleted
27057 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is deleted or all
27058 trace state variables are deleted.
27059
27060 @item =tsv-modified,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}[,current=@var{current}]
27061 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is modified with
27062 the initial value @var{initial}. The current value @var{current} of
27063 trace state variable is optional and is reported if the current
27064 value of trace state variable is known.
27065
27066 @item =breakpoint-created,bkpt=@{...@}
27067 @itemx =breakpoint-modified,bkpt=@{...@}
27068 @itemx =breakpoint-deleted,id=@var{number}
27069 Reports that a breakpoint was created, modified, or deleted,
27070 respectively. Only user-visible breakpoints are reported to the MI
27071 user.
27072
27073 The @var{bkpt} argument is of the same form as returned by the various
27074 breakpoint commands; @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}. The
27075 @var{number} is the ordinal number of the breakpoint.
27076
27077 Note that if a breakpoint is emitted in the result record of a
27078 command, then it will not also be emitted in an async record.
27079
27080 @item =record-started,thread-group="@var{id}",method="@var{method}"[,format="@var{format}"]
27081 @itemx =record-stopped,thread-group="@var{id}"
27082 Execution log recording was either started or stopped on an
27083 inferior. The @var{id} is the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread
27084 group corresponding to the affected inferior.
27085
27086 The @var{method} field indicates the method used to record execution. If the
27087 method in use supports multiple recording formats, @var{format} will be present
27088 and contain the currently used format. @xref{Process Record and Replay},
27089 for existing method and format values.
27090
27091 @item =cmd-param-changed,param=@var{param},value=@var{value}
27092 Reports that a parameter of the command @code{set @var{param}} is
27093 changed to @var{value}. In the multi-word @code{set} command,
27094 the @var{param} is the whole parameter list to @code{set} command.
27095 For example, In command @code{set check type on}, @var{param}
27096 is @code{check type} and @var{value} is @code{on}.
27097
27098 @item =memory-changed,thread-group=@var{id},addr=@var{addr},len=@var{len}[,type="code"]
27099 Reports that bytes from @var{addr} to @var{data} + @var{len} were
27100 written in an inferior. The @var{id} is the identifier of the
27101 thread group corresponding to the affected inferior. The optional
27102 @code{type="code"} part is reported if the memory written to holds
27103 executable code.
27104 @end table
27105
27106 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Information
27107 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Information
27108
27109 When @value{GDBN} reports information about a breakpoint, a
27110 tracepoint, a watchpoint, or a catchpoint, it uses a tuple with the
27111 following fields:
27112
27113 @table @code
27114 @item number
27115 The breakpoint number. For a breakpoint that represents one location
27116 of a multi-location breakpoint, this will be a dotted pair, like
27117 @samp{1.2}.
27118
27119 @item type
27120 The type of the breakpoint. For ordinary breakpoints this will be
27121 @samp{breakpoint}, but many values are possible.
27122
27123 @item catch-type
27124 If the type of the breakpoint is @samp{catchpoint}, then this
27125 indicates the exact type of catchpoint.
27126
27127 @item disp
27128 This is the breakpoint disposition---either @samp{del}, meaning that
27129 the breakpoint will be deleted at the next stop, or @samp{keep},
27130 meaning that the breakpoint will not be deleted.
27131
27132 @item enabled
27133 This indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled, in which case the
27134 value is @samp{y}, or disabled, in which case the value is @samp{n}.
27135 Note that this is not the same as the field @code{enable}.
27136
27137 @item addr
27138 The address of the breakpoint. This may be a hexidecimal number,
27139 giving the address; or the string @samp{<PENDING>}, for a pending
27140 breakpoint; or the string @samp{<MULTIPLE>}, for a breakpoint with
27141 multiple locations. This field will not be present if no address can
27142 be determined. For example, a watchpoint does not have an address.
27143
27144 @item func
27145 If known, the function in which the breakpoint appears.
27146 If not known, this field is not present.
27147
27148 @item filename
27149 The name of the source file which contains this function, if known.
27150 If not known, this field is not present.
27151
27152 @item fullname
27153 The full file name of the source file which contains this function, if
27154 known. If not known, this field is not present.
27155
27156 @item line
27157 The line number at which this breakpoint appears, if known.
27158 If not known, this field is not present.
27159
27160 @item at
27161 If the source file is not known, this field may be provided. If
27162 provided, this holds the address of the breakpoint, possibly followed
27163 by a symbol name.
27164
27165 @item pending
27166 If this breakpoint is pending, this field is present and holds the
27167 text used to set the breakpoint, as entered by the user.
27168
27169 @item evaluated-by
27170 Where this breakpoint's condition is evaluated, either @samp{host} or
27171 @samp{target}.
27172
27173 @item thread
27174 If this is a thread-specific breakpoint, then this identifies the
27175 thread in which the breakpoint can trigger.
27176
27177 @item task
27178 If this breakpoint is restricted to a particular Ada task, then this
27179 field will hold the task identifier.
27180
27181 @item cond
27182 If the breakpoint is conditional, this is the condition expression.
27183
27184 @item ignore
27185 The ignore count of the breakpoint.
27186
27187 @item enable
27188 The enable count of the breakpoint.
27189
27190 @item traceframe-usage
27191 FIXME.
27192
27193 @item static-tracepoint-marker-string-id
27194 For a static tracepoint, the name of the static tracepoint marker.
27195
27196 @item mask
27197 For a masked watchpoint, this is the mask.
27198
27199 @item pass
27200 A tracepoint's pass count.
27201
27202 @item original-location
27203 The location of the breakpoint as originally specified by the user.
27204 This field is optional.
27205
27206 @item times
27207 The number of times the breakpoint has been hit.
27208
27209 @item installed
27210 This field is only given for tracepoints. This is either @samp{y},
27211 meaning that the tracepoint is installed, or @samp{n}, meaning that it
27212 is not.
27213
27214 @item what
27215 Some extra data, the exact contents of which are type-dependent.
27216
27217 @end table
27218
27219 For example, here is what the output of @code{-break-insert}
27220 (@pxref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}) might be:
27221
27222 @smallexample
27223 -> -break-insert main
27224 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
27225 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
27226 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
27227 times="0"@}
27228 <- (gdb)
27229 @end smallexample
27230
27231 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
27232 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
27233
27234 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
27235 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
27236 fields:
27237
27238 @table @code
27239 @item level
27240 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
27241 zero. This field is always present.
27242
27243 @item func
27244 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
27245 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
27246
27247 @item addr
27248 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
27249
27250 @item file
27251 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
27252 address. This field may be absent.
27253
27254 @item line
27255 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
27256 may be absent.
27257
27258 @item from
27259 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
27260 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
27261
27262 @end table
27263
27264 @node GDB/MI Thread Information
27265 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Information
27266
27267 Whenever @value{GDBN} has to report an information about a thread, it
27268 uses a tuple with the following fields. The fields are always present unless
27269 stated otherwise.
27270
27271 @table @code
27272 @item id
27273 The global numeric id assigned to the thread by @value{GDBN}.
27274
27275 @item target-id
27276 The target-specific string identifying the thread.
27277
27278 @item details
27279 Additional information about the thread provided by the target.
27280 It is supposed to be human-readable and not interpreted by the
27281 frontend. This field is optional.
27282
27283 @item name
27284 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using the
27285 @code{thread name} command, then this name is given. Otherwise, if
27286 @value{GDBN} can extract the thread name from the target, then that
27287 name is given. If @value{GDBN} cannot find the thread name, then this
27288 field is omitted.
27289
27290 @item state
27291 The execution state of the thread, either @samp{stopped} or @samp{running},
27292 depending on whether the thread is presently running.
27293
27294 @item frame
27295 The stack frame currently executing in the thread. This field is only present
27296 if the thread is stopped. Its format is documented in
27297 @ref{GDB/MI Frame Information}.
27298
27299 @item core
27300 The value of this field is an integer number of the processor core the
27301 thread was last seen on. This field is optional.
27302 @end table
27303
27304 @node GDB/MI Ada Exception Information
27305 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Exception Information
27306
27307 Whenever a @code{*stopped} record is emitted because the program
27308 stopped after hitting an exception catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}),
27309 @value{GDBN} provides the name of the exception that was raised via
27310 the @code{exception-name} field. Also, for exceptions that were raised
27311 with an exception message, @value{GDBN} provides that message via
27312 the @code{exception-message} field.
27313
27314 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27315 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
27316 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
27317 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
27318
27319 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
27320 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
27321 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
27322 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
27323
27324 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
27325 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
27326
27327 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
27328
27329 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
27330 information of the breakpoint.
27331
27332 @smallexample
27333 -> -break-insert main
27334 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
27335 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
27336 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
27337 times="0"@}
27338 <- (gdb)
27339 @end smallexample
27340
27341 @subheading Program Execution
27342
27343 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
27344 reason that execution stopped.
27345
27346 @smallexample
27347 -> -exec-run
27348 <- ^running
27349 <- (gdb)
27350 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
27351 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
27352 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
27353 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
27354 <- (gdb)
27355 -> -exec-continue
27356 <- ^running
27357 <- (gdb)
27358 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
27359 <- (gdb)
27360 @end smallexample
27361
27362 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
27363
27364 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
27365
27366 @smallexample
27367 -> (gdb)
27368 <- -gdb-exit
27369 <- ^exit
27370 @end smallexample
27371
27372 Please note that @samp{^exit} is printed immediately, but it might
27373 take some time for @value{GDBN} to actually exit. During that time, @value{GDBN}
27374 performs necessary cleanups, including killing programs being debugged
27375 or disconnecting from debug hardware, so the frontend should wait till
27376 @value{GDBN} exits and should only forcibly kill @value{GDBN} if it
27377 fails to exit in reasonable time.
27378
27379 @subheading A Bad Command
27380
27381 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
27382
27383 @smallexample
27384 -> -rubbish
27385 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
27386 <- (gdb)
27387 @end smallexample
27388
27389
27390 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27391 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
27392 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
27393
27394 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
27395 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
27396
27397 @subheading Motivation
27398
27399 The motivation for this collection of commands.
27400
27401 @subheading Introduction
27402
27403 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
27404
27405 @subheading Commands
27406
27407 For each command in the block, the following is described:
27408
27409 @subsubheading Synopsis
27410
27411 @smallexample
27412 -command @var{args}@dots{}
27413 @end smallexample
27414
27415 @subsubheading Result
27416
27417 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27418
27419 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
27420
27421 @subsubheading Example
27422
27423 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
27424 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
27425
27426
27427 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27428 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
27429 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
27430
27431 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
27432 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
27433 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
27434 breakpoints.
27435
27436 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
27437 @findex -break-after
27438
27439 @subsubheading Synopsis
27440
27441 @smallexample
27442 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
27443 @end smallexample
27444
27445 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
27446 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
27447 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
27448 @samp{-break-list} command below.
27449
27450 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27451
27452 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
27453
27454 @subsubheading Example
27455
27456 @smallexample
27457 (gdb)
27458 -break-insert main
27459 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
27460 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
27461 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
27462 times="0"@}
27463 (gdb)
27464 -break-after 1 3
27465 ~
27466 ^done
27467 (gdb)
27468 -break-list
27469 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
27470 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27471 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27472 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27473 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27474 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27475 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27476 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27477 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27478 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
27479 (gdb)
27480 @end smallexample
27481
27482 @ignore
27483 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
27484 @findex -break-catch
27485 @end ignore
27486
27487 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
27488 @findex -break-commands
27489
27490 @subsubheading Synopsis
27491
27492 @smallexample
27493 -break-commands @var{number} [ @var{command1} ... @var{commandN} ]
27494 @end smallexample
27495
27496 Specifies the CLI commands that should be executed when breakpoint
27497 @var{number} is hit. The parameters @var{command1} to @var{commandN}
27498 are the commands. If no command is specified, any previously-set
27499 commands are cleared. @xref{Break Commands}. Typical use of this
27500 functionality is tracing a program, that is, printing of values of
27501 some variables whenever breakpoint is hit and then continuing.
27502
27503 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27504
27505 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{commands}.
27506
27507 @subsubheading Example
27508
27509 @smallexample
27510 (gdb)
27511 -break-insert main
27512 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
27513 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
27514 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
27515 times="0"@}
27516 (gdb)
27517 -break-commands 1 "print v" "continue"
27518 ^done
27519 (gdb)
27520 @end smallexample
27521
27522 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
27523 @findex -break-condition
27524
27525 @subsubheading Synopsis
27526
27527 @smallexample
27528 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
27529 @end smallexample
27530
27531 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
27532 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
27533 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
27534 command below).
27535
27536 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27537
27538 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
27539
27540 @subsubheading Example
27541
27542 @smallexample
27543 (gdb)
27544 -break-condition 1 1
27545 ^done
27546 (gdb)
27547 -break-list
27548 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
27549 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27550 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27551 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27552 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27553 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27554 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27555 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27556 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27557 line="5",cond="1",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
27558 (gdb)
27559 @end smallexample
27560
27561 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
27562 @findex -break-delete
27563
27564 @subsubheading Synopsis
27565
27566 @smallexample
27567 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
27568 @end smallexample
27569
27570 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
27571 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
27572
27573 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27574
27575 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
27576
27577 @subsubheading Example
27578
27579 @smallexample
27580 (gdb)
27581 -break-delete 1
27582 ^done
27583 (gdb)
27584 -break-list
27585 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
27586 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27587 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27588 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27589 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27590 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27591 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27592 body=[]@}
27593 (gdb)
27594 @end smallexample
27595
27596 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
27597 @findex -break-disable
27598
27599 @subsubheading Synopsis
27600
27601 @smallexample
27602 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
27603 @end smallexample
27604
27605 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
27606 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
27607
27608 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27609
27610 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
27611
27612 @subsubheading Example
27613
27614 @smallexample
27615 (gdb)
27616 -break-disable 2
27617 ^done
27618 (gdb)
27619 -break-list
27620 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
27621 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27622 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27623 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27624 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27625 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27626 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27627 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
27628 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27629 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
27630 (gdb)
27631 @end smallexample
27632
27633 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
27634 @findex -break-enable
27635
27636 @subsubheading Synopsis
27637
27638 @smallexample
27639 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
27640 @end smallexample
27641
27642 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
27643
27644 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27645
27646 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
27647
27648 @subsubheading Example
27649
27650 @smallexample
27651 (gdb)
27652 -break-enable 2
27653 ^done
27654 (gdb)
27655 -break-list
27656 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
27657 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27658 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27659 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27660 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27661 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27662 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27663 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27664 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27665 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
27666 (gdb)
27667 @end smallexample
27668
27669 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
27670 @findex -break-info
27671
27672 @subsubheading Synopsis
27673
27674 @smallexample
27675 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
27676 @end smallexample
27677
27678 @c REDUNDANT???
27679 Get information about a single breakpoint.
27680
27681 The result is a table of breakpoints. @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint
27682 Information}, for details on the format of each breakpoint in the
27683 table.
27684
27685 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27686
27687 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
27688
27689 @subsubheading Example
27690 N.A.
27691
27692 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
27693 @findex -break-insert
27694 @anchor{-break-insert}
27695
27696 @subsubheading Synopsis
27697
27698 @smallexample
27699 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ] [ -a ]
27700 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
27701 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ]
27702 @end smallexample
27703
27704 @noindent
27705 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
27706
27707 @table @var
27708 @item linespec location
27709 A linespec location. @xref{Linespec Locations}.
27710
27711 @item explicit location
27712 An explicit location. @sc{gdb/mi} explicit locations are
27713 analogous to the CLI's explicit locations using the option names
27714 listed below. @xref{Explicit Locations}.
27715
27716 @table @samp
27717 @item --source @var{filename}
27718 The source file name of the location. This option requires the use
27719 of either @samp{--function} or @samp{--line}.
27720
27721 @item --function @var{function}
27722 The name of a function or method.
27723
27724 @item --label @var{label}
27725 The name of a label.
27726
27727 @item --line @var{lineoffset}
27728 An absolute or relative line offset from the start of the location.
27729 @end table
27730
27731 @item address location
27732 An address location, *@var{address}. @xref{Address Locations}.
27733 @end table
27734
27735 @noindent
27736 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
27737
27738 @table @samp
27739 @item -t
27740 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
27741 @item -h
27742 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
27743 @item -f
27744 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
27745 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
27746 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
27747 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
27748 cannot be parsed.
27749 @item -d
27750 Create a disabled breakpoint.
27751 @item -a
27752 Create a tracepoint. @xref{Tracepoints}. When this parameter
27753 is used together with @samp{-h}, a fast tracepoint is created.
27754 @item -c @var{condition}
27755 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
27756 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
27757 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
27758 @item -p @var{thread-id}
27759 Restrict the breakpoint to the thread with the specified global
27760 @var{thread-id}.
27761 @end table
27762
27763 @subsubheading Result
27764
27765 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
27766 resulting breakpoint.
27767
27768 Note: this format is open to change.
27769 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
27770
27771 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27772
27773 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
27774 @samp{hbreak}, and @samp{thbreak}. @c and @samp{rbreak}.
27775
27776 @subsubheading Example
27777
27778 @smallexample
27779 (gdb)
27780 -break-insert main
27781 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
27782 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
27783 times="0"@}
27784 (gdb)
27785 -break-insert -t foo
27786 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
27787 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
27788 times="0"@}
27789 (gdb)
27790 -break-list
27791 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
27792 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27793 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27794 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27795 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27796 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27797 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27798 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27799 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
27800 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
27801 times="0"@},
27802 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
27803 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
27804 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
27805 times="0"@}]@}
27806 (gdb)
27807 @c -break-insert -r foo.*
27808 @c ~int foo(int, int);
27809 @c ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
27810 @c "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
27811 @c times="0"@}
27812 @c (gdb)
27813 @end smallexample
27814
27815 @subheading The @code{-dprintf-insert} Command
27816 @findex -dprintf-insert
27817
27818 @subsubheading Synopsis
27819
27820 @smallexample
27821 -dprintf-insert [ -t ] [ -f ] [ -d ]
27822 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
27823 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ] [ @var{format} ]
27824 [ @var{argument} ]
27825 @end smallexample
27826
27827 @noindent
27828 If supplied, @var{location} may be specified the same way as for
27829 the @code{-break-insert} command. @xref{-break-insert}.
27830
27831 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
27832
27833 @table @samp
27834 @item -t
27835 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
27836 @item -f
27837 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example, if it
27838 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
27839 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
27840 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
27841 cannot be parsed.
27842 @item -d
27843 Create a disabled breakpoint.
27844 @item -c @var{condition}
27845 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
27846 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
27847 Set the ignore count of the breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ignore count})
27848 to @var{ignore-count}.
27849 @item -p @var{thread-id}
27850 Restrict the breakpoint to the thread with the specified global
27851 @var{thread-id}.
27852 @end table
27853
27854 @subsubheading Result
27855
27856 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
27857 resulting breakpoint.
27858
27859 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
27860
27861 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27862
27863 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dprintf}.
27864
27865 @subsubheading Example
27866
27867 @smallexample
27868 (gdb)
27869 4-dprintf-insert foo "At foo entry\n"
27870 4^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27871 addr="0x000000000040061b",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
27872 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="25",thread-groups=["i1"],
27873 times="0",script=@{"printf \"At foo entry\\n\"","continue"@},
27874 original-location="foo"@}
27875 (gdb)
27876 5-dprintf-insert 26 "arg=%d, g=%d\n" arg g
27877 5^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27878 addr="0x000000000040062a",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
27879 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="26",thread-groups=["i1"],
27880 times="0",script=@{"printf \"arg=%d, g=%d\\n\", arg, g","continue"@},
27881 original-location="mi-dprintf.c:26"@}
27882 (gdb)
27883 @end smallexample
27884
27885 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
27886 @findex -break-list
27887
27888 @subsubheading Synopsis
27889
27890 @smallexample
27891 -break-list
27892 @end smallexample
27893
27894 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
27895
27896 @table @samp
27897 @item Number
27898 number of the breakpoint
27899 @item Type
27900 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
27901 @item Disposition
27902 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
27903 or @samp{nokeep}
27904 @item Enabled
27905 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
27906 @item Address
27907 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
27908 @item What
27909 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
27910 name, line number
27911 @item Thread-groups
27912 list of thread groups to which this breakpoint applies
27913 @item Times
27914 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
27915 @end table
27916
27917 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
27918 @code{body} field is an empty list.
27919
27920 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27921
27922 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
27923
27924 @subsubheading Example
27925
27926 @smallexample
27927 (gdb)
27928 -break-list
27929 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
27930 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27931 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27932 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27933 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27934 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27935 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27936 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27937 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
27938 times="0"@},
27939 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27940 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27941 line="13",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
27942 (gdb)
27943 @end smallexample
27944
27945 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
27946
27947 @smallexample
27948 (gdb)
27949 -break-list
27950 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
27951 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27952 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27953 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27954 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27955 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27956 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27957 body=[]@}
27958 (gdb)
27959 @end smallexample
27960
27961 @subheading The @code{-break-passcount} Command
27962 @findex -break-passcount
27963
27964 @subsubheading Synopsis
27965
27966 @smallexample
27967 -break-passcount @var{tracepoint-number} @var{passcount}
27968 @end smallexample
27969
27970 Set the passcount for tracepoint @var{tracepoint-number} to
27971 @var{passcount}. If the breakpoint referred to by @var{tracepoint-number}
27972 is not a tracepoint, error is emitted. This corresponds to CLI
27973 command @samp{passcount}.
27974
27975 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
27976 @findex -break-watch
27977
27978 @subsubheading Synopsis
27979
27980 @smallexample
27981 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
27982 @end smallexample
27983
27984 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
27985 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
27986 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
27987 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
27988 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
27989 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
27990 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
27991 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
27992
27993 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
27994 breakpoints inserted.
27995
27996 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27997
27998 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
27999 @samp{rwatch}.
28000
28001 @subsubheading Example
28002
28003 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
28004
28005 @smallexample
28006 (gdb)
28007 -break-watch x
28008 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
28009 (gdb)
28010 -exec-continue
28011 ^running
28012 (gdb)
28013 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
28014 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
28015 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
28016 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
28017 (gdb)
28018 @end smallexample
28019
28020 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
28021 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
28022 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
28023
28024 @smallexample
28025 (gdb)
28026 -break-watch C
28027 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
28028 (gdb)
28029 -exec-continue
28030 ^running
28031 (gdb)
28032 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
28033 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
28034 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
28035 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28036 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
28037 (gdb)
28038 -exec-continue
28039 ^running
28040 (gdb)
28041 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
28042 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
28043 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
28044 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28045 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
28046 (gdb)
28047 @end smallexample
28048
28049 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
28050 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
28051 deleted.
28052
28053 @smallexample
28054 (gdb)
28055 -break-watch C
28056 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
28057 (gdb)
28058 -break-list
28059 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28060 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28061 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28062 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28063 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28064 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28065 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28066 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28067 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
28068 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28069 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
28070 times="1"@},
28071 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
28072 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
28073 (gdb)
28074 -exec-continue
28075 ^running
28076 (gdb)
28077 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
28078 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
28079 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
28080 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28081 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
28082 (gdb)
28083 -break-list
28084 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
28085 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28086 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28087 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28088 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28089 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28090 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28091 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28092 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
28093 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28094 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
28095 times="1"@},
28096 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
28097 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="-5"@}]@}
28098 (gdb)
28099 -exec-continue
28100 ^running
28101 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
28102 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
28103 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
28104 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28105 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
28106 (gdb)
28107 -break-list
28108 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28109 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28110 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28111 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28112 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28113 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28114 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28115 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28116 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
28117 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28118 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
28119 thread-groups=["i1"],times="1"@}]@}
28120 (gdb)
28121 @end smallexample
28122
28123
28124 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28125 @node GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
28126 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoint Commands
28127
28128 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
28129 catchpoints.
28130
28131 @menu
28132 * Shared Library GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
28133 * Ada Exception GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
28134 @end menu
28135
28136 @node Shared Library GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
28137 @subsection Shared Library @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoints
28138
28139 @subheading The @code{-catch-load} Command
28140 @findex -catch-load
28141
28142 @subsubheading Synopsis
28143
28144 @smallexample
28145 -catch-load [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
28146 @end smallexample
28147
28148 Add a catchpoint for library load events. If the @samp{-t} option is used,
28149 the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
28150 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is created
28151 in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
28152 expression used to match the name of the loaded library.
28153
28154
28155 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28156
28157 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch load}.
28158
28159 @subsubheading Example
28160
28161 @smallexample
28162 -catch-load -t foo.so
28163 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="catchpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
28164 what="load of library matching foo.so",catch-type="load",times="0"@}
28165 (gdb)
28166 @end smallexample
28167
28168
28169 @subheading The @code{-catch-unload} Command
28170 @findex -catch-unload
28171
28172 @subsubheading Synopsis
28173
28174 @smallexample
28175 -catch-unload [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
28176 @end smallexample
28177
28178 Add a catchpoint for library unload events. If the @samp{-t} option is
28179 used, the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
28180 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is
28181 created in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
28182 expression used to match the name of the unloaded library.
28183
28184 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28185
28186 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch unload}.
28187
28188 @subsubheading Example
28189
28190 @smallexample
28191 -catch-unload -d bar.so
28192 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="catchpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
28193 what="load of library matching bar.so",catch-type="unload",times="0"@}
28194 (gdb)
28195 @end smallexample
28196
28197 @node Ada Exception GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
28198 @subsection Ada Exception @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoints
28199
28200 The following @sc{gdb/mi} commands can be used to create catchpoints
28201 that stop the execution when Ada exceptions are being raised.
28202
28203 @subheading The @code{-catch-assert} Command
28204 @findex -catch-assert
28205
28206 @subsubheading Synopsis
28207
28208 @smallexample
28209 -catch-assert [ -c @var{condition}] [ -d ] [ -t ]
28210 @end smallexample
28211
28212 Add a catchpoint for failed Ada assertions.
28213
28214 The possible optional parameters for this command are:
28215
28216 @table @samp
28217 @item -c @var{condition}
28218 Make the catchpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
28219 @item -d
28220 Create a disabled catchpoint.
28221 @item -t
28222 Create a temporary catchpoint.
28223 @end table
28224
28225 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28226
28227 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch assert}.
28228
28229 @subsubheading Example
28230
28231 @smallexample
28232 -catch-assert
28233 ^done,bkptno="5",bkpt=@{number="5",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
28234 enabled="y",addr="0x0000000000404888",what="failed Ada assertions",
28235 thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",
28236 original-location="__gnat_debug_raise_assert_failure"@}
28237 (gdb)
28238 @end smallexample
28239
28240 @subheading The @code{-catch-exception} Command
28241 @findex -catch-exception
28242
28243 @subsubheading Synopsis
28244
28245 @smallexample
28246 -catch-exception [ -c @var{condition}] [ -d ] [ -e @var{exception-name} ]
28247 [ -t ] [ -u ]
28248 @end smallexample
28249
28250 Add a catchpoint stopping when Ada exceptions are raised.
28251 By default, the command stops the program when any Ada exception
28252 gets raised. But it is also possible, by using some of the
28253 optional parameters described below, to create more selective
28254 catchpoints.
28255
28256 The possible optional parameters for this command are:
28257
28258 @table @samp
28259 @item -c @var{condition}
28260 Make the catchpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
28261 @item -d
28262 Create a disabled catchpoint.
28263 @item -e @var{exception-name}
28264 Only stop when @var{exception-name} is raised. This option cannot
28265 be used combined with @samp{-u}.
28266 @item -t
28267 Create a temporary catchpoint.
28268 @item -u
28269 Stop only when an unhandled exception gets raised. This option
28270 cannot be used combined with @samp{-e}.
28271 @end table
28272
28273 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28274
28275 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{catch exception}
28276 and @samp{catch exception unhandled}.
28277
28278 @subsubheading Example
28279
28280 @smallexample
28281 -catch-exception -e Program_Error
28282 ^done,bkptno="4",bkpt=@{number="4",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
28283 enabled="y",addr="0x0000000000404874",
28284 what="`Program_Error' Ada exception", thread-groups=["i1"],
28285 times="0",original-location="__gnat_debug_raise_exception"@}
28286 (gdb)
28287 @end smallexample
28288
28289 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28290 @node GDB/MI Program Context
28291 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
28292
28293 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
28294 @findex -exec-arguments
28295
28296
28297 @subsubheading Synopsis
28298
28299 @smallexample
28300 -exec-arguments @var{args}
28301 @end smallexample
28302
28303 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
28304 @samp{-exec-run}.
28305
28306 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28307
28308 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
28309
28310 @subsubheading Example
28311
28312 @smallexample
28313 (gdb)
28314 -exec-arguments -v word
28315 ^done
28316 (gdb)
28317 @end smallexample
28318
28319
28320 @ignore
28321 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
28322 @findex -exec-show-arguments
28323
28324 @subsubheading Synopsis
28325
28326 @smallexample
28327 -exec-show-arguments
28328 @end smallexample
28329
28330 Print the arguments of the program.
28331
28332 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28333
28334 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
28335
28336 @subsubheading Example
28337 N.A.
28338 @end ignore
28339
28340
28341 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
28342 @findex -environment-cd
28343
28344 @subsubheading Synopsis
28345
28346 @smallexample
28347 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
28348 @end smallexample
28349
28350 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
28351
28352 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28353
28354 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
28355
28356 @subsubheading Example
28357
28358 @smallexample
28359 (gdb)
28360 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
28361 ^done
28362 (gdb)
28363 @end smallexample
28364
28365
28366 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
28367 @findex -environment-directory
28368
28369 @subsubheading Synopsis
28370
28371 @smallexample
28372 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
28373 @end smallexample
28374
28375 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
28376 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
28377 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
28378 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
28379 occurs as normal.
28380 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
28381 multiple directories in a single command
28382 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
28383 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
28384 If blanks are needed as
28385 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
28386 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
28387 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
28388 character must not be used
28389 in any directory name.
28390 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
28391
28392 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28393
28394 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
28395
28396 @subsubheading Example
28397
28398 @smallexample
28399 (gdb)
28400 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
28401 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
28402 (gdb)
28403 -environment-directory ""
28404 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
28405 (gdb)
28406 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
28407 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
28408 (gdb)
28409 -environment-directory -r
28410 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
28411 (gdb)
28412 @end smallexample
28413
28414
28415 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
28416 @findex -environment-path
28417
28418 @subsubheading Synopsis
28419
28420 @smallexample
28421 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
28422 @end smallexample
28423
28424 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
28425 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
28426 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
28427 supplied in addition to the
28428 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
28429 occurs as normal.
28430 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
28431 multiple directories in a single command
28432 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
28433 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
28434 If blanks are needed as
28435 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
28436 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
28437 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
28438 character must not be used
28439 in any directory name.
28440 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
28441
28442
28443 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28444
28445 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
28446
28447 @subsubheading Example
28448
28449 @smallexample
28450 (gdb)
28451 -environment-path
28452 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
28453 (gdb)
28454 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
28455 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
28456 (gdb)
28457 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
28458 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
28459 (gdb)
28460 @end smallexample
28461
28462
28463 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
28464 @findex -environment-pwd
28465
28466 @subsubheading Synopsis
28467
28468 @smallexample
28469 -environment-pwd
28470 @end smallexample
28471
28472 Show the current working directory.
28473
28474 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28475
28476 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
28477
28478 @subsubheading Example
28479
28480 @smallexample
28481 (gdb)
28482 -environment-pwd
28483 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
28484 (gdb)
28485 @end smallexample
28486
28487 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28488 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
28489 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
28490
28491
28492 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
28493 @findex -thread-info
28494
28495 @subsubheading Synopsis
28496
28497 @smallexample
28498 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
28499 @end smallexample
28500
28501 Reports information about either a specific thread, if the
28502 @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all threads.
28503 @var{thread-id} is the thread's global thread ID. When printing
28504 information about all threads, also reports the global ID of the
28505 current thread.
28506
28507 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28508
28509 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
28510 about all threads.
28511
28512 @subsubheading Result
28513
28514 The result contains the following attributes:
28515
28516 @table @samp
28517 @item threads
28518 A list of threads. The format of the elements of the list is described in
28519 @ref{GDB/MI Thread Information}.
28520
28521 @item current-thread-id
28522 The global id of the currently selected thread. This field is omitted if there
28523 is no selected thread (for example, when the selected inferior is not running,
28524 and therefore has no threads) or if a @var{thread-id} argument was passed to
28525 the command.
28526
28527 @end table
28528
28529 @subsubheading Example
28530
28531 @smallexample
28532 -thread-info
28533 ^done,threads=[
28534 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
28535 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",
28536 args=[]@},state="running"@},
28537 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
28538 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",
28539 args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
28540 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},
28541 state="running"@}],
28542 current-thread-id="1"
28543 (gdb)
28544 @end smallexample
28545
28546 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
28547 @findex -thread-list-ids
28548
28549 @subsubheading Synopsis
28550
28551 @smallexample
28552 -thread-list-ids
28553 @end smallexample
28554
28555 Produces a list of the currently known global @value{GDBN} thread ids.
28556 At the end of the list it also prints the total number of such
28557 threads.
28558
28559 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
28560 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
28561
28562 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28563
28564 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
28565
28566 @subsubheading Example
28567
28568 @smallexample
28569 (gdb)
28570 -thread-list-ids
28571 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
28572 current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
28573 (gdb)
28574 @end smallexample
28575
28576
28577 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
28578 @findex -thread-select
28579
28580 @subsubheading Synopsis
28581
28582 @smallexample
28583 -thread-select @var{thread-id}
28584 @end smallexample
28585
28586 Make thread with global thread number @var{thread-id} the current
28587 thread. It prints the number of the new current thread, and the
28588 topmost frame for that thread.
28589
28590 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
28591 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
28592
28593 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28594
28595 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
28596
28597 @subsubheading Example
28598
28599 @smallexample
28600 (gdb)
28601 -exec-next
28602 ^running
28603 (gdb)
28604 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
28605 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
28606 (gdb)
28607 -thread-list-ids
28608 ^done,
28609 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
28610 number-of-threads="3"
28611 (gdb)
28612 -thread-select 3
28613 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
28614 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
28615 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
28616 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
28617 (gdb)
28618 @end smallexample
28619
28620 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28621 @node GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands
28622 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Tasking Commands
28623
28624 @subheading The @code{-ada-task-info} Command
28625 @findex -ada-task-info
28626
28627 @subsubheading Synopsis
28628
28629 @smallexample
28630 -ada-task-info [ @var{task-id} ]
28631 @end smallexample
28632
28633 Reports information about either a specific Ada task, if the
28634 @var{task-id} parameter is present, or about all Ada tasks.
28635
28636 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28637
28638 The @samp{info tasks} command prints the same information
28639 about all Ada tasks (@pxref{Ada Tasks}).
28640
28641 @subsubheading Result
28642
28643 The result is a table of Ada tasks. The following columns are
28644 defined for each Ada task:
28645
28646 @table @samp
28647 @item current
28648 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
28649
28650 @item id
28651 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the Ada task.
28652
28653 @item task-id
28654 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the Ada task.
28655
28656 @item thread-id
28657 The global thread identifier of the thread corresponding to the Ada
28658 task.
28659
28660 This field should always exist, as Ada tasks are always implemented
28661 on top of a thread. But if @value{GDBN} cannot find this corresponding
28662 thread for any reason, the field is omitted.
28663
28664 @item parent-id
28665 This field exists only when the task was created by another task.
28666 In this case, it provides the ID of the parent task.
28667
28668 @item priority
28669 The base priority of the task.
28670
28671 @item state
28672 The current state of the task. For a detailed description of the
28673 possible states, see @ref{Ada Tasks}.
28674
28675 @item name
28676 The name of the task.
28677
28678 @end table
28679
28680 @subsubheading Example
28681
28682 @smallexample
28683 -ada-task-info
28684 ^done,tasks=@{nr_rows="3",nr_cols="8",
28685 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr=""@},
28686 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="id",colhdr="ID"@},
28687 @{width="9",alignment="1",col_name="task-id",colhdr="TID"@},
28688 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="thread-id",colhdr=""@},
28689 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="parent-id",colhdr="P-ID"@},
28690 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="priority",colhdr="Pri"@},
28691 @{width="22",alignment="-1",col_name="state",colhdr="State"@},
28692 @{width="1",alignment="2",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@}],
28693 body=[@{current="*",id="1",task-id=" 644010",thread-id="1",priority="48",
28694 state="Child Termination Wait",name="main_task"@}]@}
28695 (gdb)
28696 @end smallexample
28697
28698 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28699 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
28700 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
28701
28702 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
28703 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
28704 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
28705 other cases.
28706
28707 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
28708 @findex -exec-continue
28709
28710 @subsubheading Synopsis
28711
28712 @smallexample
28713 -exec-continue [--reverse] [--all|--thread-group N]
28714 @end smallexample
28715
28716 Resumes the execution of the inferior program, which will continue
28717 to execute until it reaches a debugger stop event. If the
28718 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, execution resumes in reverse until
28719 it reaches a stop event. Stop events may include
28720 @itemize @bullet
28721 @item
28722 breakpoints or watchpoints
28723 @item
28724 signals or exceptions
28725 @item
28726 the end of the process (or its beginning under @samp{--reverse})
28727 @item
28728 the end or beginning of a replay log if one is being used.
28729 @end itemize
28730 In all-stop mode (@pxref{All-Stop
28731 Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads, depending on the
28732 value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. If @samp{--all} is
28733 specified, all threads (in all inferiors) will be resumed. The @samp{--all} option is
28734 ignored in all-stop mode. If the @samp{--thread-group} options is
28735 specified, then all threads in that thread group are resumed.
28736
28737 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28738
28739 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
28740
28741 @subsubheading Example
28742
28743 @smallexample
28744 -exec-continue
28745 ^running
28746 (gdb)
28747 @@Hello world
28748 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
28749 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
28750 line="13"@}
28751 (gdb)
28752 @end smallexample
28753
28754
28755 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
28756 @findex -exec-finish
28757
28758 @subsubheading Synopsis
28759
28760 @smallexample
28761 -exec-finish [--reverse]
28762 @end smallexample
28763
28764 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
28765 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
28766 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes the reverse
28767 execution of the inferior program until the point where current
28768 function was called.
28769
28770 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28771
28772 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
28773
28774 @subsubheading Example
28775
28776 Function returning @code{void}.
28777
28778 @smallexample
28779 -exec-finish
28780 ^running
28781 (gdb)
28782 @@hello from foo
28783 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
28784 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
28785 (gdb)
28786 @end smallexample
28787
28788 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
28789 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
28790 value itself.
28791
28792 @smallexample
28793 -exec-finish
28794 ^running
28795 (gdb)
28796 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
28797 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
28798 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
28799 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
28800 (gdb)
28801 @end smallexample
28802
28803
28804 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
28805 @findex -exec-interrupt
28806
28807 @subsubheading Synopsis
28808
28809 @smallexample
28810 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
28811 @end smallexample
28812
28813 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
28814 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
28815 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
28816 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
28817 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
28818
28819 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
28820 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
28821 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
28822 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
28823
28824 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
28825 All threads (in all inferiors) will be interrupted if the
28826 @samp{--all} option is specified. If the @samp{--thread-group}
28827 option is specified, all threads in that group will be interrupted.
28828
28829 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28830
28831 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
28832
28833 @subsubheading Example
28834
28835 @smallexample
28836 (gdb)
28837 111-exec-continue
28838 111^running
28839
28840 (gdb)
28841 222-exec-interrupt
28842 222^done
28843 (gdb)
28844 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
28845 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
28846 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
28847 (gdb)
28848
28849 (gdb)
28850 -exec-interrupt
28851 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
28852 (gdb)
28853 @end smallexample
28854
28855 @subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
28856 @findex -exec-jump
28857
28858 @subsubheading Synopsis
28859
28860 @smallexample
28861 -exec-jump @var{location}
28862 @end smallexample
28863
28864 Resumes execution of the inferior program at the location specified by
28865 parameter. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
28866 different forms of @var{location}.
28867
28868 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28869
28870 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
28871
28872 @subsubheading Example
28873
28874 @smallexample
28875 -exec-jump foo.c:10
28876 *running,thread-id="all"
28877 ^running
28878 @end smallexample
28879
28880
28881 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
28882 @findex -exec-next
28883
28884 @subsubheading Synopsis
28885
28886 @smallexample
28887 -exec-next [--reverse]
28888 @end smallexample
28889
28890 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
28891 of the next source line is reached.
28892
28893 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
28894 of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the previous
28895 source line. If you issue this command on the first line of a
28896 function, it will take you back to the caller of that function, to the
28897 source line where the function was called.
28898
28899
28900 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28901
28902 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
28903
28904 @subsubheading Example
28905
28906 @smallexample
28907 -exec-next
28908 ^running
28909 (gdb)
28910 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
28911 (gdb)
28912 @end smallexample
28913
28914
28915 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
28916 @findex -exec-next-instruction
28917
28918 @subsubheading Synopsis
28919
28920 @smallexample
28921 -exec-next-instruction [--reverse]
28922 @end smallexample
28923
28924 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
28925 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
28926 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
28927 printed as well.
28928
28929 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
28930 of the inferior program, stopping at the previous instruction. If the
28931 previously executed instruction was a return from another function,
28932 it will continue to execute in reverse until the call to that function
28933 (from the current stack frame) is reached.
28934
28935 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28936
28937 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
28938
28939 @subsubheading Example
28940
28941 @smallexample
28942 (gdb)
28943 -exec-next-instruction
28944 ^running
28945
28946 (gdb)
28947 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
28948 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
28949 (gdb)
28950 @end smallexample
28951
28952
28953 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
28954 @findex -exec-return
28955
28956 @subsubheading Synopsis
28957
28958 @smallexample
28959 -exec-return
28960 @end smallexample
28961
28962 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
28963 Displays the new current frame.
28964
28965 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28966
28967 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
28968
28969 @subsubheading Example
28970
28971 @smallexample
28972 (gdb)
28973 200-break-insert callee4
28974 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
28975 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
28976 (gdb)
28977 000-exec-run
28978 000^running
28979 (gdb)
28980 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
28981 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
28982 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28983 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
28984 (gdb)
28985 205-break-delete
28986 205^done
28987 (gdb)
28988 111-exec-return
28989 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
28990 args=[@{name="strarg",
28991 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
28992 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28993 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
28994 (gdb)
28995 @end smallexample
28996
28997
28998 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
28999 @findex -exec-run
29000
29001 @subsubheading Synopsis
29002
29003 @smallexample
29004 -exec-run [ --all | --thread-group N ] [ --start ]
29005 @end smallexample
29006
29007 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
29008 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
29009 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
29010 the program has exited exceptionally.
29011
29012 When neither the @samp{--all} nor the @samp{--thread-group} option
29013 is specified, the current inferior is started. If the
29014 @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, it should refer to a thread
29015 group of type @samp{process}, and that thread group will be started.
29016 If the @samp{--all} option is specified, then all inferiors will be started.
29017
29018 Using the @samp{--start} option instructs the debugger to stop
29019 the execution at the start of the inferior's main subprogram,
29020 following the same behavior as the @code{start} command
29021 (@pxref{Starting}).
29022
29023 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29024
29025 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
29026
29027 @subsubheading Examples
29028
29029 @smallexample
29030 (gdb)
29031 -break-insert main
29032 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
29033 (gdb)
29034 -exec-run
29035 ^running
29036 (gdb)
29037 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
29038 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
29039 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
29040 (gdb)
29041 @end smallexample
29042
29043 @noindent
29044 Program exited normally:
29045
29046 @smallexample
29047 (gdb)
29048 -exec-run
29049 ^running
29050 (gdb)
29051 x = 55
29052 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
29053 (gdb)
29054 @end smallexample
29055
29056 @noindent
29057 Program exited exceptionally:
29058
29059 @smallexample
29060 (gdb)
29061 -exec-run
29062 ^running
29063 (gdb)
29064 x = 55
29065 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
29066 (gdb)
29067 @end smallexample
29068
29069 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
29070 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
29071
29072 @smallexample
29073 (gdb)
29074 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
29075 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
29076 @end smallexample
29077
29078
29079 @c @subheading -exec-signal
29080
29081
29082 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
29083 @findex -exec-step
29084
29085 @subsubheading Synopsis
29086
29087 @smallexample
29088 -exec-step [--reverse]
29089 @end smallexample
29090
29091 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
29092 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
29093 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
29094 function. If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse
29095 execution of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the
29096 previously executed source line.
29097
29098 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29099
29100 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
29101
29102 @subsubheading Example
29103
29104 Stepping into a function:
29105
29106 @smallexample
29107 -exec-step
29108 ^running
29109 (gdb)
29110 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29111 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
29112 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
29113 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
29114 (gdb)
29115 @end smallexample
29116
29117 Regular stepping:
29118
29119 @smallexample
29120 -exec-step
29121 ^running
29122 (gdb)
29123 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
29124 (gdb)
29125 @end smallexample
29126
29127
29128 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
29129 @findex -exec-step-instruction
29130
29131 @subsubheading Synopsis
29132
29133 @smallexample
29134 -exec-step-instruction [--reverse]
29135 @end smallexample
29136
29137 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. If the
29138 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution of the
29139 inferior program, stopping at the previously executed instruction.
29140 The output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on
29141 whether we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the
29142 former case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed
29143 as well.
29144
29145 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29146
29147 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
29148
29149 @subsubheading Example
29150
29151 @smallexample
29152 (gdb)
29153 -exec-step-instruction
29154 ^running
29155
29156 (gdb)
29157 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29158 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
29159 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
29160 (gdb)
29161 -exec-step-instruction
29162 ^running
29163
29164 (gdb)
29165 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29166 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
29167 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
29168 (gdb)
29169 @end smallexample
29170
29171
29172 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
29173 @findex -exec-until
29174
29175 @subsubheading Synopsis
29176
29177 @smallexample
29178 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
29179 @end smallexample
29180
29181 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
29182 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
29183 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
29184 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
29185
29186 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29187
29188 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
29189
29190 @subsubheading Example
29191
29192 @smallexample
29193 (gdb)
29194 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
29195 ^running
29196 (gdb)
29197 x = 55
29198 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
29199 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
29200 (gdb)
29201 @end smallexample
29202
29203 @ignore
29204 @subheading -file-clear
29205 Is this going away????
29206 @end ignore
29207
29208 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29209 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
29210 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
29211
29212 @subheading The @code{-enable-frame-filters} Command
29213 @findex -enable-frame-filters
29214
29215 @smallexample
29216 -enable-frame-filters
29217 @end smallexample
29218
29219 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based frame filters to affect the output of
29220 the MI commands relating to stack traces. As there is no way to
29221 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
29222 request that this functionality be enabled.
29223
29224 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
29225
29226 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
29227 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
29228
29229 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
29230 @findex -stack-info-frame
29231
29232 @subsubheading Synopsis
29233
29234 @smallexample
29235 -stack-info-frame
29236 @end smallexample
29237
29238 Get info on the selected frame.
29239
29240 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29241
29242 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
29243 (without arguments).
29244
29245 @subsubheading Example
29246
29247 @smallexample
29248 (gdb)
29249 -stack-info-frame
29250 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
29251 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29252 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
29253 (gdb)
29254 @end smallexample
29255
29256 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
29257 @findex -stack-info-depth
29258
29259 @subsubheading Synopsis
29260
29261 @smallexample
29262 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
29263 @end smallexample
29264
29265 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
29266 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
29267
29268 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29269
29270 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
29271
29272 @subsubheading Example
29273
29274 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
29275
29276 @smallexample
29277 (gdb)
29278 -stack-info-depth
29279 ^done,depth="12"
29280 (gdb)
29281 -stack-info-depth 4
29282 ^done,depth="4"
29283 (gdb)
29284 -stack-info-depth 12
29285 ^done,depth="12"
29286 (gdb)
29287 -stack-info-depth 11
29288 ^done,depth="11"
29289 (gdb)
29290 -stack-info-depth 13
29291 ^done,depth="12"
29292 (gdb)
29293 @end smallexample
29294
29295 @anchor{-stack-list-arguments}
29296 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
29297 @findex -stack-list-arguments
29298
29299 @subsubheading Synopsis
29300
29301 @smallexample
29302 -stack-list-arguments [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
29303 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
29304 @end smallexample
29305
29306 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
29307 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
29308 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
29309 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
29310 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
29311 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
29312 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
29313 which case only existing frames will be returned.
29314
29315 If @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
29316 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
29317 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
29318 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
29319 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
29320 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
29321
29322 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, arguments that
29323 are not available are not listed. Partially available arguments
29324 are still displayed, however.
29325
29326 Use of this command to obtain arguments in a single frame is
29327 deprecated in favor of the @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
29328
29329 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29330
29331 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
29332 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
29333 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
29334
29335 @subsubheading Example
29336
29337 @smallexample
29338 (gdb)
29339 -stack-list-frames
29340 ^done,
29341 stack=[
29342 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
29343 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29344 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
29345 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
29346 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29347 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
29348 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
29349 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29350 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
29351 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
29352 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29353 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
29354 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
29355 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29356 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
29357 (gdb)
29358 -stack-list-arguments 0
29359 ^done,
29360 stack-args=[
29361 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
29362 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
29363 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
29364 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
29365 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
29366 (gdb)
29367 -stack-list-arguments 1
29368 ^done,
29369 stack-args=[
29370 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
29371 frame=@{level="1",
29372 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
29373 frame=@{level="2",args=[
29374 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
29375 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
29376 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
29377 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
29378 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
29379 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
29380 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
29381 (gdb)
29382 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
29383 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
29384 (gdb)
29385 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
29386 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
29387 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
29388 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
29389 (gdb)
29390 @end smallexample
29391
29392 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
29393
29394
29395 @anchor{-stack-list-frames}
29396 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
29397 @findex -stack-list-frames
29398
29399 @subsubheading Synopsis
29400
29401 @smallexample
29402 -stack-list-frames [ --no-frame-filters @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
29403 @end smallexample
29404
29405 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
29406 following info:
29407
29408 @table @samp
29409 @item @var{level}
29410 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
29411 @item @var{addr}
29412 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
29413 @item @var{func}
29414 Function name.
29415 @item @var{file}
29416 File name of the source file where the function lives.
29417 @item @var{fullname}
29418 The full file name of the source file where the function lives.
29419 @item @var{line}
29420 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
29421 @item @var{from}
29422 The shared library where this function is defined. This is only given
29423 if the frame's function is not known.
29424 @end table
29425
29426 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
29427 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
29428 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
29429 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
29430 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
29431 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
29432 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be
29433 returned. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
29434 Python frame filters will not be executed.
29435
29436 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29437
29438 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
29439
29440 @subsubheading Example
29441
29442 Full stack backtrace:
29443
29444 @smallexample
29445 (gdb)
29446 -stack-list-frames
29447 ^done,stack=
29448 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
29449 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
29450 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29451 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29452 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29453 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29454 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29455 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29456 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29457 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29458 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29459 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29460 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29461 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29462 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29463 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29464 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29465 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29466 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29467 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29468 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29469 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29470 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
29471 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
29472 (gdb)
29473 @end smallexample
29474
29475 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
29476
29477 @smallexample
29478 (gdb)
29479 -stack-list-frames 3 5
29480 ^done,stack=
29481 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29482 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29483 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29484 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29485 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29486 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
29487 (gdb)
29488 @end smallexample
29489
29490 Show a single frame:
29491
29492 @smallexample
29493 (gdb)
29494 -stack-list-frames 3 3
29495 ^done,stack=
29496 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29497 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
29498 (gdb)
29499 @end smallexample
29500
29501
29502 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
29503 @findex -stack-list-locals
29504 @anchor{-stack-list-locals}
29505
29506 @subsubheading Synopsis
29507
29508 @smallexample
29509 -stack-list-locals [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
29510 @end smallexample
29511
29512 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
29513 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
29514 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
29515 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
29516 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
29517 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
29518 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
29519 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
29520 more detail. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
29521 Python frame filters will not be executed.
29522
29523 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, local variables
29524 that are not available are not listed. Partially available local
29525 variables are still displayed, however.
29526
29527 This command is deprecated in favor of the
29528 @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
29529
29530 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29531
29532 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
29533
29534 @subsubheading Example
29535
29536 @smallexample
29537 (gdb)
29538 -stack-list-locals 0
29539 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
29540 (gdb)
29541 -stack-list-locals --all-values
29542 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
29543 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
29544 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
29545 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
29546 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
29547 (gdb)
29548 @end smallexample
29549
29550 @anchor{-stack-list-variables}
29551 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-variables} Command
29552 @findex -stack-list-variables
29553
29554 @subsubheading Synopsis
29555
29556 @smallexample
29557 -stack-list-variables [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
29558 @end smallexample
29559
29560 Display the names of local variables and function arguments for the selected frame. If
29561 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
29562 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
29563 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
29564 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
29565 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
29566 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
29567
29568 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, local variables
29569 and arguments that are not available are not listed. Partially
29570 available arguments and local variables are still displayed, however.
29571
29572 @subsubheading Example
29573
29574 @smallexample
29575 (gdb)
29576 -stack-list-variables --thread 1 --frame 0 --all-values
29577 ^done,variables=[@{name="x",value="11"@},@{name="s",value="@{a = 1, b = 2@}"@}]
29578 (gdb)
29579 @end smallexample
29580
29581
29582 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
29583 @findex -stack-select-frame
29584
29585 @subsubheading Synopsis
29586
29587 @smallexample
29588 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
29589 @end smallexample
29590
29591 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
29592 the stack.
29593
29594 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
29595 option to every command.
29596
29597 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29598
29599 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
29600 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
29601
29602 @subsubheading Example
29603
29604 @smallexample
29605 (gdb)
29606 -stack-select-frame 2
29607 ^done
29608 (gdb)
29609 @end smallexample
29610
29611 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29612 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
29613 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
29614
29615 @ignore
29616
29617 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
29618
29619 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
29620 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
29621 used by @code{Insight}.
29622
29623 The two main reasons for that are:
29624
29625 @enumerate 1
29626 @item
29627 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
29628
29629 @item
29630 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
29631 now).
29632 @end enumerate
29633
29634 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
29635 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
29636 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
29637 hints about their use.
29638
29639 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
29640 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
29641 least, the following operations:
29642
29643 @itemize @bullet
29644 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
29645 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
29646 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
29647 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
29648 @end itemize
29649
29650 @end ignore
29651
29652 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
29653
29654 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
29655
29656 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
29657 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
29658 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
29659 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
29660 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
29661 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
29662 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
29663 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
29664 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
29665 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
29666 object, or to change display format.
29667
29668 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
29669 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
29670 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
29671 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
29672 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
29673 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
29674 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
29675 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
29676 child will be created.
29677
29678 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
29679 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
29680 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
29681 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
29682 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
29683
29684 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
29685 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
29686 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
29687 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
29688 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
29689 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
29690 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
29691 variables that frontend has created.
29692
29693 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
29694 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
29695 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
29696 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
29697 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
29698 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
29699 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
29700 implicitly updated.
29701
29702 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
29703 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
29704 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
29705 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
29706 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
29707 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
29708 frame. Consider this example:
29709
29710 @smallexample
29711 void do_work(...)
29712 @{
29713 struct work_state state;
29714
29715 if (...)
29716 do_work(...);
29717 @}
29718 @end smallexample
29719
29720 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
29721 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the variable
29722 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
29723 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
29724 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
29725
29726 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
29727 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
29728 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
29729 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
29730 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
29731 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
29732
29733 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
29734 access this functionality:
29735
29736 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
29737 @item @strong{Operation}
29738 @tab @strong{Description}
29739
29740 @item @code{-enable-pretty-printing}
29741 @tab enable Python-based pretty-printing
29742 @item @code{-var-create}
29743 @tab create a variable object
29744 @item @code{-var-delete}
29745 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
29746 @item @code{-var-set-format}
29747 @tab set the display format of this variable
29748 @item @code{-var-show-format}
29749 @tab show the display format of this variable
29750 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
29751 @tab tells how many children this object has
29752 @item @code{-var-list-children}
29753 @tab return a list of the object's children
29754 @item @code{-var-info-type}
29755 @tab show the type of this variable object
29756 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
29757 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
29758 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
29759 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
29760 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
29761 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
29762 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
29763 @tab get the value of this variable
29764 @item @code{-var-assign}
29765 @tab set the value of this variable
29766 @item @code{-var-update}
29767 @tab update the variable and its children
29768 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
29769 @tab set frozeness attribute
29770 @item @code{-var-set-update-range}
29771 @tab set range of children to display on update
29772 @end multitable
29773
29774 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
29775 how it can be used.
29776
29777 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
29778
29779 @subheading The @code{-enable-pretty-printing} Command
29780 @findex -enable-pretty-printing
29781
29782 @smallexample
29783 -enable-pretty-printing
29784 @end smallexample
29785
29786 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based visualizers to affect the output of the
29787 MI variable object commands. However, because there was no way to
29788 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
29789 request that this functionality be enabled.
29790
29791 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
29792
29793 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
29794 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
29795
29796 This feature is currently (as of @value{GDBN} 7.0) experimental, and
29797 may work differently in future versions of @value{GDBN}.
29798
29799 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
29800 @findex -var-create
29801
29802 @subsubheading Synopsis
29803
29804 @smallexample
29805 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
29806 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
29807 @end smallexample
29808
29809 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
29810 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
29811 register.
29812
29813 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
29814 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
29815 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
29816 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
29817 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
29818
29819 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
29820 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
29821 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
29822 object must be created.
29823
29824 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
29825 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
29826
29827 @itemize @bullet
29828 @item
29829 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
29830
29831 @item
29832 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
29833
29834 @item
29835 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
29836 @end itemize
29837
29838 @cindex dynamic varobj
29839 A varobj's contents may be provided by a Python-based pretty-printer. In this
29840 case the varobj is known as a @dfn{dynamic varobj}. Dynamic varobjs
29841 have slightly different semantics in some cases. If the
29842 @code{-enable-pretty-printing} command is not sent, then @value{GDBN}
29843 will never create a dynamic varobj. This ensures backward
29844 compatibility for existing clients.
29845
29846 @subsubheading Result
29847
29848 This operation returns attributes of the newly-created varobj. These
29849 are:
29850
29851 @table @samp
29852 @item name
29853 The name of the varobj.
29854
29855 @item numchild
29856 The number of children of the varobj. This number is not necessarily
29857 reliable for a dynamic varobj. Instead, you must examine the
29858 @samp{has_more} attribute.
29859
29860 @item value
29861 The varobj's scalar value. For a varobj whose type is some sort of
29862 aggregate (e.g., a @code{struct}), or for a dynamic varobj, this value
29863 will not be interesting.
29864
29865 @item type
29866 The varobj's type. This is a string representation of the type, as
29867 would be printed by the @value{GDBN} CLI. If @samp{print object}
29868 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
29869 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
29870 @emph{declared} one.
29871
29872 @item thread-id
29873 If a variable object is bound to a specific thread, then this is the
29874 thread's global identifier.
29875
29876 @item has_more
29877 For a dynamic varobj, this indicates whether there appear to be any
29878 children available. For a non-dynamic varobj, this will be 0.
29879
29880 @item dynamic
29881 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
29882 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
29883 then this attribute will not be present.
29884
29885 @item displayhint
29886 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
29887 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
29888 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
29889 @end table
29890
29891 Typical output will look like this:
29892
29893 @smallexample
29894 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}",
29895 has_more="@var{has_more}"
29896 @end smallexample
29897
29898
29899 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
29900 @findex -var-delete
29901
29902 @subsubheading Synopsis
29903
29904 @smallexample
29905 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
29906 @end smallexample
29907
29908 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
29909 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
29910
29911 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
29912
29913
29914 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
29915 @findex -var-set-format
29916
29917 @subsubheading Synopsis
29918
29919 @smallexample
29920 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
29921 @end smallexample
29922
29923 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
29924 @var{format-spec}.
29925
29926 @anchor{-var-set-format}
29927 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
29928
29929 @smallexample
29930 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
29931 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural | zero-hexadecimal@}
29932 @end smallexample
29933
29934 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
29935 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
29936 for pointers, etc.).
29937
29938 The zero-hexadecimal format has a representation similar to hexadecimal
29939 but with padding zeroes to the left of the value. For example, a 32-bit
29940 hexadecimal value of 0x1234 would be represented as 0x00001234 in the
29941 zero-hexadecimal format.
29942
29943 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
29944 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
29945
29946 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
29947 @findex -var-show-format
29948
29949 @subsubheading Synopsis
29950
29951 @smallexample
29952 -var-show-format @var{name}
29953 @end smallexample
29954
29955 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
29956
29957 @smallexample
29958 @var{format} @expansion{}
29959 @var{format-spec}
29960 @end smallexample
29961
29962
29963 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
29964 @findex -var-info-num-children
29965
29966 @subsubheading Synopsis
29967
29968 @smallexample
29969 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
29970 @end smallexample
29971
29972 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
29973
29974 @smallexample
29975 numchild=@var{n}
29976 @end smallexample
29977
29978 Note that this number is not completely reliable for a dynamic varobj.
29979 It will return the current number of children, but more children may
29980 be available.
29981
29982
29983 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
29984 @findex -var-list-children
29985
29986 @subsubheading Synopsis
29987
29988 @smallexample
29989 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name} [@var{from} @var{to}]
29990 @end smallexample
29991 @anchor{-var-list-children}
29992
29993 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
29994 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
29995 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value of 0 or
29996 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
29997 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
29998 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
29999 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
30000 and unions.
30001
30002 @var{from} and @var{to}, if specified, indicate the range of children
30003 to report. If @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is
30004 reset and all children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting
30005 at @var{from} (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be
30006 reported.
30007
30008 If a child range is requested, it will only affect the current call to
30009 @code{-var-list-children}, but not future calls to @code{-var-update}.
30010 For this, you must instead use @code{-var-set-update-range}. The
30011 intent of this approach is to enable a front end to implement any
30012 update approach it likes; for example, scrolling a view may cause the
30013 front end to request more children with @code{-var-list-children}, and
30014 then the front end could call @code{-var-set-update-range} with a
30015 different range to ensure that future updates are restricted to just
30016 the visible items.
30017
30018 For each child the following results are returned:
30019
30020 @table @var
30021
30022 @item name
30023 Name of the variable object created for this child.
30024
30025 @item exp
30026 The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
30027 For example this may be the name of a structure member.
30028
30029 For a dynamic varobj, this value cannot be used to form an
30030 expression. There is no way to do this at all with a dynamic varobj.
30031
30032 For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
30033 designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
30034 @samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
30035 type and value are not present.
30036
30037 A dynamic varobj will not report the access qualifying
30038 pseudo-children, regardless of the language. This information is not
30039 available at all with a dynamic varobj.
30040
30041 @item numchild
30042 Number of children this child has. For a dynamic varobj, this will be
30043 0.
30044
30045 @item type
30046 The type of the child. If @samp{print object}
30047 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
30048 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
30049 @emph{declared} one.
30050
30051 @item value
30052 If values were requested, this is the value.
30053
30054 @item thread-id
30055 If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the
30056 thread's global thread id. Otherwise this result is not present.
30057
30058 @item frozen
30059 If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
30060
30061 @item displayhint
30062 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
30063 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
30064 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
30065
30066 @item dynamic
30067 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
30068 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
30069 then this attribute will not be present.
30070
30071 @end table
30072
30073 The result may have its own attributes:
30074
30075 @table @samp
30076 @item displayhint
30077 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
30078 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
30079 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
30080
30081 @item has_more
30082 This is an integer attribute which is nonzero if there are children
30083 remaining after the end of the selected range.
30084 @end table
30085
30086 @subsubheading Example
30087
30088 @smallexample
30089 (gdb)
30090 -var-list-children n
30091 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
30092 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
30093 (gdb)
30094 -var-list-children --all-values n
30095 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
30096 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
30097 @end smallexample
30098
30099
30100 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
30101 @findex -var-info-type
30102
30103 @subsubheading Synopsis
30104
30105 @smallexample
30106 -var-info-type @var{name}
30107 @end smallexample
30108
30109 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
30110 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
30111 @value{GDBN} CLI:
30112
30113 @smallexample
30114 type=@var{typename}
30115 @end smallexample
30116
30117
30118 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
30119 @findex -var-info-expression
30120
30121 @subsubheading Synopsis
30122
30123 @smallexample
30124 -var-info-expression @var{name}
30125 @end smallexample
30126
30127 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
30128 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
30129 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
30130
30131 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
30132 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
30133
30134 @smallexample
30135 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
30136 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
30137 @end smallexample
30138
30139 @noindent
30140 Here, the value of @code{lang} is the language name, which can be
30141 found in @ref{Supported Languages}.
30142
30143 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
30144 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
30145 is of limited use.
30146
30147 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
30148 @findex -var-info-path-expression
30149
30150 @subsubheading Synopsis
30151
30152 @smallexample
30153 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
30154 @end smallexample
30155
30156 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
30157 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
30158 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
30159 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
30160 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
30161 watchpoint from a variable object.
30162
30163 This command is currently not valid for children of a dynamic varobj,
30164 and will give an error when invoked on one.
30165
30166 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
30167 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
30168 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
30169 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
30170 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
30171 @smallexample
30172 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
30173 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
30174 @end smallexample
30175
30176 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
30177 @findex -var-show-attributes
30178
30179 @subsubheading Synopsis
30180
30181 @smallexample
30182 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
30183 @end smallexample
30184
30185 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
30186
30187 @smallexample
30188 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
30189 @end smallexample
30190
30191 @noindent
30192 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
30193
30194 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
30195 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
30196
30197 @subsubheading Synopsis
30198
30199 @smallexample
30200 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
30201 @end smallexample
30202
30203 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
30204 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
30205 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
30206 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
30207 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
30208 the current display format will be used. The current display format
30209 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
30210
30211 @smallexample
30212 value=@var{value}
30213 @end smallexample
30214
30215 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
30216 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
30217
30218 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
30219 @findex -var-assign
30220
30221 @subsubheading Synopsis
30222
30223 @smallexample
30224 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
30225 @end smallexample
30226
30227 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
30228 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
30229 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
30230 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
30231
30232 @subsubheading Example
30233
30234 @smallexample
30235 (gdb)
30236 -var-assign var1 3
30237 ^done,value="3"
30238 (gdb)
30239 -var-update *
30240 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
30241 (gdb)
30242 @end smallexample
30243
30244 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
30245 @findex -var-update
30246
30247 @subsubheading Synopsis
30248
30249 @smallexample
30250 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
30251 @end smallexample
30252
30253 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
30254 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
30255 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
30256 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
30257 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
30258 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
30259 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
30260 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
30261 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
30262 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
30263 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
30264 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
30265 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
30266
30267 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
30268 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
30269 diagnostic.
30270
30271 If @code{-var-set-update-range} was previously used on a varobj, then
30272 only the selected range of children will be reported.
30273
30274 @code{-var-update} reports all the changed varobjs in a tuple named
30275 @samp{changelist}.
30276
30277 Each item in the change list is itself a tuple holding:
30278
30279 @table @samp
30280 @item name
30281 The name of the varobj.
30282
30283 @item value
30284 If values were requested for this update, then this field will be
30285 present and will hold the value of the varobj.
30286
30287 @item in_scope
30288 @anchor{-var-update}
30289 This field is a string which may take one of three values:
30290
30291 @table @code
30292 @item "true"
30293 The variable object's current value is valid.
30294
30295 @item "false"
30296 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
30297 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
30298 scope.
30299
30300 @item "invalid"
30301 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
30302 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
30303 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
30304 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
30305 objects.
30306 @end table
30307
30308 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
30309 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
30310
30311 @item type_changed
30312 This is only present if the varobj is still valid. If the type
30313 changed, then this will be the string @samp{true}; otherwise it will
30314 be @samp{false}.
30315
30316 When a varobj's type changes, its children are also likely to have
30317 become incorrect. Therefore, the varobj's children are automatically
30318 deleted when this attribute is @samp{true}. Also, the varobj's update
30319 range, when set using the @code{-var-set-update-range} command, is
30320 unset.
30321
30322 @item new_type
30323 If the varobj's type changed, then this field will be present and will
30324 hold the new type.
30325
30326 @item new_num_children
30327 For a dynamic varobj, if the number of children changed, or if the
30328 type changed, this will be the new number of children.
30329
30330 The @samp{numchild} field in other varobj responses is generally not
30331 valid for a dynamic varobj -- it will show the number of children that
30332 @value{GDBN} knows about, but because dynamic varobjs lazily
30333 instantiate their children, this will not reflect the number of
30334 children which may be available.
30335
30336 The @samp{new_num_children} attribute only reports changes to the
30337 number of children known by @value{GDBN}. This is the only way to
30338 detect whether an update has removed children (which necessarily can
30339 only happen at the end of the update range).
30340
30341 @item displayhint
30342 The display hint, if any.
30343
30344 @item has_more
30345 This is an integer value, which will be 1 if there are more children
30346 available outside the varobj's update range.
30347
30348 @item dynamic
30349 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
30350 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
30351 then this attribute will not be present.
30352
30353 @item new_children
30354 If new children were added to a dynamic varobj within the selected
30355 update range (as set by @code{-var-set-update-range}), then they will
30356 be listed in this attribute.
30357 @end table
30358
30359 @subsubheading Example
30360
30361 @smallexample
30362 (gdb)
30363 -var-assign var1 3
30364 ^done,value="3"
30365 (gdb)
30366 -var-update --all-values var1
30367 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
30368 type_changed="false"@}]
30369 (gdb)
30370 @end smallexample
30371
30372 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
30373 @findex -var-set-frozen
30374 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
30375
30376 @subsubheading Synopsis
30377
30378 @smallexample
30379 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
30380 @end smallexample
30381
30382 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
30383 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
30384 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
30385 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
30386 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
30387 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
30388 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
30389 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
30390 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
30391 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
30392 @code{-var-update} does.
30393
30394 @subsubheading Example
30395
30396 @smallexample
30397 (gdb)
30398 -var-set-frozen V 1
30399 ^done
30400 (gdb)
30401 @end smallexample
30402
30403 @subheading The @code{-var-set-update-range} command
30404 @findex -var-set-update-range
30405 @anchor{-var-set-update-range}
30406
30407 @subsubheading Synopsis
30408
30409 @smallexample
30410 -var-set-update-range @var{name} @var{from} @var{to}
30411 @end smallexample
30412
30413 Set the range of children to be returned by future invocations of
30414 @code{-var-update}.
30415
30416 @var{from} and @var{to} indicate the range of children to report. If
30417 @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is reset and all
30418 children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting at @var{from}
30419 (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be reported.
30420
30421 @subsubheading Example
30422
30423 @smallexample
30424 (gdb)
30425 -var-set-update-range V 1 2
30426 ^done
30427 @end smallexample
30428
30429 @subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
30430 @findex -var-set-visualizer
30431 @anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
30432
30433 @subsubheading Synopsis
30434
30435 @smallexample
30436 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
30437 @end smallexample
30438
30439 Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
30440
30441 @var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
30442 @samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
30443
30444 If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
30445 This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
30446 single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
30447 the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
30448 Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
30449 When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
30450 pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}).
30451
30452 The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
30453 select a visualizer by following the built-in process
30454 (@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
30455 a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
30456
30457 This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
30458 command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Support Commands})
30459 can be used to check this.
30460
30461 @subsubheading Example
30462
30463 Resetting the visualizer:
30464
30465 @smallexample
30466 (gdb)
30467 -var-set-visualizer V None
30468 ^done
30469 @end smallexample
30470
30471 Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
30472
30473 @smallexample
30474 (gdb)
30475 -var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
30476 ^done
30477 @end smallexample
30478
30479 Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
30480 can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
30481
30482 @smallexample
30483 (gdb)
30484 -var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
30485 ^done
30486 @end smallexample
30487
30488 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30489 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
30490 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
30491
30492 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
30493 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
30494 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
30495 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
30496
30497 For details about what an addressable memory unit is,
30498 @pxref{addressable memory unit}.
30499
30500 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
30501 @c @subheading -data-assign
30502 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
30503 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
30504 @c set variable
30505 @c @subsubheading Example
30506 @c N.A.
30507
30508 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
30509 @findex -data-disassemble
30510
30511 @subsubheading Synopsis
30512
30513 @smallexample
30514 -data-disassemble
30515 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
30516 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
30517 -- @var{mode}
30518 @end smallexample
30519
30520 @noindent
30521 Where:
30522
30523 @table @samp
30524 @item @var{start-addr}
30525 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
30526 @item @var{end-addr}
30527 is the end address
30528 @item @var{filename}
30529 is the name of the file to disassemble
30530 @item @var{linenum}
30531 is the line number to disassemble around
30532 @item @var{lines}
30533 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
30534 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
30535 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
30536 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
30537 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
30538 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
30539 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
30540 are displayed.
30541 @item @var{mode}
30542 is one of:
30543 @itemize @bullet
30544 @item 0 disassembly only
30545 @item 1 mixed source and disassembly (deprecated)
30546 @item 2 disassembly with raw opcodes
30547 @item 3 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes (deprecated)
30548 @item 4 mixed source and disassembly
30549 @item 5 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes
30550 @end itemize
30551
30552 Modes 1 and 3 are deprecated. The output is ``source centric''
30553 which hasn't proved useful in practice.
30554 @xref{Machine Code}, for a discussion of the difference between
30555 @code{/m} and @code{/s} output of the @code{disassemble} command.
30556 @end table
30557
30558 @subsubheading Result
30559
30560 The result of the @code{-data-disassemble} command will be a list named
30561 @samp{asm_insns}, the contents of this list depend on the @var{mode}
30562 used with the @code{-data-disassemble} command.
30563
30564 For modes 0 and 2 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples with the
30565 following fields:
30566
30567 @table @code
30568 @item address
30569 The address at which this instruction was disassembled.
30570
30571 @item func-name
30572 The name of the function this instruction is within.
30573
30574 @item offset
30575 The decimal offset in bytes from the start of @samp{func-name}.
30576
30577 @item inst
30578 The text disassembly for this @samp{address}.
30579
30580 @item opcodes
30581 This field is only present for modes 2, 3 and 5. This contains the raw opcode
30582 bytes for the @samp{inst} field.
30583
30584 @end table
30585
30586 For modes 1, 3, 4 and 5 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples named
30587 @samp{src_and_asm_line}, each of which has the following fields:
30588
30589 @table @code
30590 @item line
30591 The line number within @samp{file}.
30592
30593 @item file
30594 The file name from the compilation unit. This might be an absolute
30595 file name or a relative file name depending on the compile command
30596 used.
30597
30598 @item fullname
30599 Absolute file name of @samp{file}. It is converted to a canonical form
30600 using the source file search path
30601 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories})
30602 and after resolving all the symbolic links.
30603
30604 If the source file is not found this field will contain the path as
30605 present in the debug information.
30606
30607 @item line_asm_insn
30608 This is a list of tuples containing the disassembly for @samp{line} in
30609 @samp{file}. The fields of each tuple are the same as for
30610 @code{-data-disassemble} in @var{mode} 0 and 2, so @samp{address},
30611 @samp{func-name}, @samp{offset}, @samp{inst}, and optionally
30612 @samp{opcodes}.
30613
30614 @end table
30615
30616 Note that whatever included in the @samp{inst} field, is not
30617 manipulated directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to
30618 adjust its format.
30619
30620 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30621
30622 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disassemble}.
30623
30624 @subsubheading Example
30625
30626 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
30627
30628 @smallexample
30629 (gdb)
30630 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
30631 ^done,
30632 asm_insns=[
30633 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
30634 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30635 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30636 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
30637 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
30638 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
30639 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
30640 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
30641 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
30642 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
30643 (gdb)
30644 @end smallexample
30645
30646 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
30647 @code{main}.
30648
30649 @smallexample
30650 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
30651 ^done,asm_insns=[
30652 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
30653 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
30654 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
30655 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30656 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30657 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
30658 [@dots{}]
30659 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
30660 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
30661 (gdb)
30662 @end smallexample
30663
30664 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
30665
30666 @smallexample
30667 (gdb)
30668 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
30669 ^done,asm_insns=[
30670 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
30671 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
30672 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
30673 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30674 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30675 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
30676 (gdb)
30677 @end smallexample
30678
30679 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
30680
30681 @smallexample
30682 (gdb)
30683 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
30684 ^done,asm_insns=[
30685 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
30686 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30687 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30688 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107bc",
30689 func-name="main",offset="0",inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
30690 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
30691 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30692 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30693 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107c0",
30694 func-name="main",offset="4",inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30695 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30696 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
30697 (gdb)
30698 @end smallexample
30699
30700
30701 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
30702 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
30703
30704 @subsubheading Synopsis
30705
30706 @smallexample
30707 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
30708 @end smallexample
30709
30710 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
30711 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
30712 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
30713
30714 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30715
30716 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
30717 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
30718 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
30719
30720 @subsubheading Example
30721
30722 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
30723 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
30724 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
30725 output.
30726
30727 @smallexample
30728 211-data-evaluate-expression A
30729 211^done,value="1"
30730 (gdb)
30731 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
30732 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
30733 (gdb)
30734 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
30735 411^done,value="4"
30736 (gdb)
30737 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
30738 511^done,value="4"
30739 (gdb)
30740 @end smallexample
30741
30742
30743 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
30744 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
30745
30746 @subsubheading Synopsis
30747
30748 @smallexample
30749 -data-list-changed-registers
30750 @end smallexample
30751
30752 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
30753
30754 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30755
30756 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
30757 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
30758
30759 @subsubheading Example
30760
30761 On a PPC MBX board:
30762
30763 @smallexample
30764 (gdb)
30765 -exec-continue
30766 ^running
30767
30768 (gdb)
30769 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
30770 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
30771 line="5"@}
30772 (gdb)
30773 -data-list-changed-registers
30774 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
30775 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
30776 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
30777 (gdb)
30778 @end smallexample
30779
30780
30781 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
30782 @findex -data-list-register-names
30783
30784 @subsubheading Synopsis
30785
30786 @smallexample
30787 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
30788 @end smallexample
30789
30790 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
30791 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
30792 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
30793 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
30794 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
30795 include empty register names.
30796
30797 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30798
30799 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
30800 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
30801 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
30802
30803 @subsubheading Example
30804
30805 For the PPC MBX board:
30806 @smallexample
30807 (gdb)
30808 -data-list-register-names
30809 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
30810 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
30811 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
30812 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
30813 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
30814 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
30815 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
30816 (gdb)
30817 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
30818 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
30819 (gdb)
30820 @end smallexample
30821
30822 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
30823 @findex -data-list-register-values
30824
30825 @subsubheading Synopsis
30826
30827 @smallexample
30828 -data-list-register-values
30829 [ @code{--skip-unavailable} ] @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
30830 @end smallexample
30831
30832 Display the registers' contents. The format according to which the
30833 registers' contents are to be returned is given by @var{fmt}, followed
30834 by an optional list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A
30835 missing list of numbers indicates that the contents of all the
30836 registers must be returned. The @code{--skip-unavailable} option
30837 indicates that only the available registers are to be returned.
30838
30839 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
30840
30841 @table @code
30842 @item x
30843 Hexadecimal
30844 @item o
30845 Octal
30846 @item t
30847 Binary
30848 @item d
30849 Decimal
30850 @item r
30851 Raw
30852 @item N
30853 Natural
30854 @end table
30855
30856 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30857
30858 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
30859 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
30860
30861 @subsubheading Example
30862
30863 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
30864 don't appear in the actual output):
30865
30866 @smallexample
30867 (gdb)
30868 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
30869 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
30870 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
30871 (gdb)
30872 -data-list-register-values x
30873 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
30874 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
30875 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
30876 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
30877 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
30878 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
30879 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
30880 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
30881 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
30882 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
30883 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
30884 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
30885 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
30886 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
30887 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
30888 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
30889 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
30890 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
30891 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
30892 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
30893 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
30894 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
30895 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
30896 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
30897 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
30898 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
30899 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
30900 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
30901 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
30902 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
30903 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
30904 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
30905 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
30906 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
30907 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
30908 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
30909 (gdb)
30910 @end smallexample
30911
30912
30913 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
30914 @findex -data-read-memory
30915
30916 This command is deprecated, use @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} instead.
30917
30918 @subsubheading Synopsis
30919
30920 @smallexample
30921 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
30922 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
30923 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
30924 @end smallexample
30925
30926 @noindent
30927 where:
30928
30929 @table @samp
30930 @item @var{address}
30931 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
30932 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
30933 quoted using the C convention.
30934
30935 @item @var{word-format}
30936 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
30937 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
30938 ,Output Formats}).
30939
30940 @item @var{word-size}
30941 The size of each memory word in bytes.
30942
30943 @item @var{nr-rows}
30944 The number of rows in the output table.
30945
30946 @item @var{nr-cols}
30947 The number of columns in the output table.
30948
30949 @item @var{aschar}
30950 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
30951 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
30952 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
30953 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
30954
30955 @item @var{byte-offset}
30956 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
30957 @end table
30958
30959 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
30960 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
30961 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
30962 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
30963 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
30964 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
30965 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
30966 @samp{addr}.
30967
30968 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
30969 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
30970 @samp{prev-page}.
30971
30972 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30973
30974 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
30975 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
30976
30977 @subsubheading Example
30978
30979 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
30980 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
30981 word. Display each word in hex.
30982
30983 @smallexample
30984 (gdb)
30985 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
30986 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
30987 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
30988 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
30989 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
30990 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
30991 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
30992 (gdb)
30993 @end smallexample
30994
30995 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
30996 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
30997
30998 @smallexample
30999 (gdb)
31000 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
31001 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
31002 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
31003 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
31004 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
31005 (gdb)
31006 @end smallexample
31007
31008 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
31009 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
31010 used as the non-printable character.
31011
31012 @smallexample
31013 (gdb)
31014 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
31015 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
31016 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
31017 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
31018 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31019 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31020 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31021 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
31022 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
31023 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
31024 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
31025 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
31026 (gdb)
31027 @end smallexample
31028
31029 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} Command
31030 @findex -data-read-memory-bytes
31031
31032 @subsubheading Synopsis
31033
31034 @smallexample
31035 -data-read-memory-bytes [ -o @var{offset} ]
31036 @var{address} @var{count}
31037 @end smallexample
31038
31039 @noindent
31040 where:
31041
31042 @table @samp
31043 @item @var{address}
31044 An expression specifying the address of the first addressable memory unit
31045 to be read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
31046 quoted using the C convention.
31047
31048 @item @var{count}
31049 The number of addressable memory units to read. This should be an integer
31050 literal.
31051
31052 @item @var{offset}
31053 The offset relative to @var{address} at which to start reading. This
31054 should be an integer literal. This option is provided so that a frontend
31055 is not required to first evaluate address and then perform address
31056 arithmetics itself.
31057
31058 @end table
31059
31060 This command attempts to read all accessible memory regions in the
31061 specified range. First, all regions marked as unreadable in the memory
31062 map (if one is defined) will be skipped. @xref{Memory Region
31063 Attributes}. Second, @value{GDBN} will attempt to read the remaining
31064 regions. For each one, if reading full region results in an errors,
31065 @value{GDBN} will try to read a subset of the region.
31066
31067 In general, every single memory unit in the region may be readable or not,
31068 and the only way to read every readable unit is to try a read at
31069 every address, which is not practical. Therefore, @value{GDBN} will
31070 attempt to read all accessible memory units at either beginning or the end
31071 of the region, using a binary division scheme. This heuristic works
31072 well for reading accross a memory map boundary. Note that if a region
31073 has a readable range that is neither at the beginning or the end,
31074 @value{GDBN} will not read it.
31075
31076 The result record (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}) that is output of
31077 the command includes a field named @samp{memory} whose content is a
31078 list of tuples. Each tuple represent a successfully read memory block
31079 and has the following fields:
31080
31081 @table @code
31082 @item begin
31083 The start address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
31084
31085 @item end
31086 The end address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
31087
31088 @item offset
31089 The offset of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal, relative to
31090 the start address passed to @code{-data-read-memory-bytes}.
31091
31092 @item contents
31093 The contents of the memory block, in hex.
31094
31095 @end table
31096
31097
31098
31099 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31100
31101 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}.
31102
31103 @subsubheading Example
31104
31105 @smallexample
31106 (gdb)
31107 -data-read-memory-bytes &a 10
31108 ^done,memory=[@{begin="0xbffff154",offset="0x00000000",
31109 end="0xbffff15e",
31110 contents="01000000020000000300"@}]
31111 (gdb)
31112 @end smallexample
31113
31114
31115 @subheading The @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} Command
31116 @findex -data-write-memory-bytes
31117
31118 @subsubheading Synopsis
31119
31120 @smallexample
31121 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents}
31122 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents} @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
31123 @end smallexample
31124
31125 @noindent
31126 where:
31127
31128 @table @samp
31129 @item @var{address}
31130 An expression specifying the address of the first addressable memory unit
31131 to be written. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should
31132 be quoted using the C convention.
31133
31134 @item @var{contents}
31135 The hex-encoded data to write. It is an error if @var{contents} does
31136 not represent an integral number of addressable memory units.
31137
31138 @item @var{count}
31139 Optional argument indicating the number of addressable memory units to be
31140 written. If @var{count} is greater than @var{contents}' length,
31141 @value{GDBN} will repeatedly write @var{contents} until it fills
31142 @var{count} memory units.
31143
31144 @end table
31145
31146 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31147
31148 There's no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
31149
31150 @subsubheading Example
31151
31152 @smallexample
31153 (gdb)
31154 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd"
31155 ^done
31156 (gdb)
31157 @end smallexample
31158
31159 @smallexample
31160 (gdb)
31161 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd" 16e
31162 ^done
31163 (gdb)
31164 @end smallexample
31165
31166 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31167 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
31168 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
31169
31170 The commands defined in this section implement MI support for
31171 tracepoints. For detailed introduction, see @ref{Tracepoints}.
31172
31173 @subheading The @code{-trace-find} Command
31174 @findex -trace-find
31175
31176 @subsubheading Synopsis
31177
31178 @smallexample
31179 -trace-find @var{mode} [@var{parameters}@dots{}]
31180 @end smallexample
31181
31182 Find a trace frame using criteria defined by @var{mode} and
31183 @var{parameters}. The following table lists permissible
31184 modes and their parameters. For details of operation, see @ref{tfind}.
31185
31186 @table @samp
31187
31188 @item none
31189 No parameters are required. Stops examining trace frames.
31190
31191 @item frame-number
31192 An integer is required as parameter. Selects tracepoint frame with
31193 that index.
31194
31195 @item tracepoint-number
31196 An integer is required as parameter. Finds next
31197 trace frame that corresponds to tracepoint with the specified number.
31198
31199 @item pc
31200 An address is required as parameter. Finds
31201 next trace frame that corresponds to any tracepoint at the specified
31202 address.
31203
31204 @item pc-inside-range
31205 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds next trace
31206 frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address inside the
31207 specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
31208
31209 @item pc-outside-range
31210 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds
31211 next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address outside
31212 the specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
31213
31214 @item line
31215 Line specification is required as parameter. @xref{Specify Location}.
31216 Finds next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at
31217 the specified location.
31218
31219 @end table
31220
31221 If @samp{none} was passed as @var{mode}, the response does not
31222 have fields. Otherwise, the response may have the following fields:
31223
31224 @table @samp
31225 @item found
31226 This field has either @samp{0} or @samp{1} as the value, depending
31227 on whether a matching tracepoint was found.
31228
31229 @item traceframe
31230 The index of the found traceframe. This field is present iff
31231 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
31232
31233 @item tracepoint
31234 The index of the found tracepoint. This field is present iff
31235 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
31236
31237 @item frame
31238 The information about the frame corresponding to the found trace
31239 frame. This field is present only if a trace frame was found.
31240 @xref{GDB/MI Frame Information}, for description of this field.
31241
31242 @end table
31243
31244 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31245
31246 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tfind}.
31247
31248 @subheading -trace-define-variable
31249 @findex -trace-define-variable
31250
31251 @subsubheading Synopsis
31252
31253 @smallexample
31254 -trace-define-variable @var{name} [ @var{value} ]
31255 @end smallexample
31256
31257 Create trace variable @var{name} if it does not exist. If
31258 @var{value} is specified, sets the initial value of the specified
31259 trace variable to that value. Note that the @var{name} should start
31260 with the @samp{$} character.
31261
31262 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31263
31264 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariable}.
31265
31266 @subheading The @code{-trace-frame-collected} Command
31267 @findex -trace-frame-collected
31268
31269 @subsubheading Synopsis
31270
31271 @smallexample
31272 -trace-frame-collected
31273 [--var-print-values @var{var_pval}]
31274 [--comp-print-values @var{comp_pval}]
31275 [--registers-format @var{regformat}]
31276 [--memory-contents]
31277 @end smallexample
31278
31279 This command returns the set of collected objects, register names,
31280 trace state variable names, memory ranges and computed expressions
31281 that have been collected at a particular trace frame. The optional
31282 parameters to the command affect the output format in different ways.
31283 See the output description table below for more details.
31284
31285 The reported names can be used in the normal manner to create
31286 varobjs and inspect the objects themselves. The items returned by
31287 this command are categorized so that it is clear which is a variable,
31288 which is a register, which is a trace state variable, which is a
31289 memory range and which is a computed expression.
31290
31291 For instance, if the actions were
31292 @smallexample
31293 collect myVar, myArray[myIndex], myObj.field, myPtr->field, myCount + 2
31294 collect *(int*)0xaf02bef0@@40
31295 @end smallexample
31296
31297 @noindent
31298 the object collected in its entirety would be @code{myVar}. The
31299 object @code{myArray} would be partially collected, because only the
31300 element at index @code{myIndex} would be collected. The remaining
31301 objects would be computed expressions.
31302
31303 An example output would be:
31304
31305 @smallexample
31306 (gdb)
31307 -trace-frame-collected
31308 ^done,
31309 explicit-variables=[@{name="myVar",value="1"@}],
31310 computed-expressions=[@{name="myArray[myIndex]",value="0"@},
31311 @{name="myObj.field",value="0"@},
31312 @{name="myPtr->field",value="1"@},
31313 @{name="myCount + 2",value="3"@},
31314 @{name="$tvar1 + 1",value="43970027"@}],
31315 registers=[@{number="0",value="0x7fe2c6e79ec8"@},
31316 @{number="1",value="0x0"@},
31317 @{number="2",value="0x4"@},
31318 ...
31319 @{number="125",value="0x0"@}],
31320 tvars=[@{name="$tvar1",current="43970026"@}],
31321 memory=[@{address="0x0000000000602264",length="4"@},
31322 @{address="0x0000000000615bc0",length="4"@}]
31323 (gdb)
31324 @end smallexample
31325
31326 Where:
31327
31328 @table @code
31329 @item explicit-variables
31330 The set of objects that have been collected in their entirety (as
31331 opposed to collecting just a few elements of an array or a few struct
31332 members). For each object, its name and value are printed.
31333 The @code{--var-print-values} option affects how or whether the value
31334 field is output. If @var{var_pval} is 0, then print only the names;
31335 if it is 1, print also their values; and if it is 2, print the name,
31336 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for
31337 arrays, structures and unions.
31338
31339 @item computed-expressions
31340 The set of computed expressions that have been collected at the
31341 current trace frame. The @code{--comp-print-values} option affects
31342 this set like the @code{--var-print-values} option affects the
31343 @code{explicit-variables} set. See above.
31344
31345 @item registers
31346 The registers that have been collected at the current trace frame.
31347 For each register collected, the name and current value are returned.
31348 The value is formatted according to the @code{--registers-format}
31349 option. See the @command{-data-list-register-values} command for a
31350 list of the allowed formats. The default is @samp{x}.
31351
31352 @item tvars
31353 The trace state variables that have been collected at the current
31354 trace frame. For each trace state variable collected, the name and
31355 current value are returned.
31356
31357 @item memory
31358 The set of memory ranges that have been collected at the current trace
31359 frame. Its content is a list of tuples. Each tuple represents a
31360 collected memory range and has the following fields:
31361
31362 @table @code
31363 @item address
31364 The start address of the memory range, as hexadecimal literal.
31365
31366 @item length
31367 The length of the memory range, as decimal literal.
31368
31369 @item contents
31370 The contents of the memory block, in hex. This field is only present
31371 if the @code{--memory-contents} option is specified.
31372
31373 @end table
31374
31375 @end table
31376
31377 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31378
31379 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
31380
31381 @subsubheading Example
31382
31383 @subheading -trace-list-variables
31384 @findex -trace-list-variables
31385
31386 @subsubheading Synopsis
31387
31388 @smallexample
31389 -trace-list-variables
31390 @end smallexample
31391
31392 Return a table of all defined trace variables. Each element of the
31393 table has the following fields:
31394
31395 @table @samp
31396 @item name
31397 The name of the trace variable. This field is always present.
31398
31399 @item initial
31400 The initial value. This is a 64-bit signed integer. This
31401 field is always present.
31402
31403 @item current
31404 The value the trace variable has at the moment. This is a 64-bit
31405 signed integer. This field is absent iff current value is
31406 not defined, for example if the trace was never run, or is
31407 presently running.
31408
31409 @end table
31410
31411 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31412
31413 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariables}.
31414
31415 @subsubheading Example
31416
31417 @smallexample
31418 (gdb)
31419 -trace-list-variables
31420 ^done,trace-variables=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="3",
31421 hdr=[@{width="15",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
31422 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="initial",colhdr="Initial"@},
31423 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr="Current"@}],
31424 body=[variable=@{name="$trace_timestamp",initial="0"@}
31425 variable=@{name="$foo",initial="10",current="15"@}]@}
31426 (gdb)
31427 @end smallexample
31428
31429 @subheading -trace-save
31430 @findex -trace-save
31431
31432 @subsubheading Synopsis
31433
31434 @smallexample
31435 -trace-save [ -r ] [ -ctf ] @var{filename}
31436 @end smallexample
31437
31438 Saves the collected trace data to @var{filename}. Without the
31439 @samp{-r} option, the data is downloaded from the target and saved
31440 in a local file. With the @samp{-r} option the target is asked
31441 to perform the save.
31442
31443 By default, this command will save the trace in the tfile format. You can
31444 supply the optional @samp{-ctf} argument to save it the CTF format. See
31445 @ref{Trace Files} for more information about CTF.
31446
31447 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31448
31449 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tsave}.
31450
31451
31452 @subheading -trace-start
31453 @findex -trace-start
31454
31455 @subsubheading Synopsis
31456
31457 @smallexample
31458 -trace-start
31459 @end smallexample
31460
31461 Starts a tracing experiment. The result of this command does not
31462 have any fields.
31463
31464 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31465
31466 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstart}.
31467
31468 @subheading -trace-status
31469 @findex -trace-status
31470
31471 @subsubheading Synopsis
31472
31473 @smallexample
31474 -trace-status
31475 @end smallexample
31476
31477 Obtains the status of a tracing experiment. The result may include
31478 the following fields:
31479
31480 @table @samp
31481
31482 @item supported
31483 May have a value of either @samp{0}, when no tracing operations are
31484 supported, @samp{1}, when all tracing operations are supported, or
31485 @samp{file} when examining trace file. In the latter case, examining
31486 of trace frame is possible but new tracing experiement cannot be
31487 started. This field is always present.
31488
31489 @item running
31490 May have a value of either @samp{0} or @samp{1} depending on whether
31491 tracing experiement is in progress on target. This field is present
31492 if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
31493
31494 @item stop-reason
31495 Report the reason why the tracing was stopped last time. This field
31496 may be absent iff tracing was never stopped on target yet. The
31497 value of @samp{request} means the tracing was stopped as result of
31498 the @code{-trace-stop} command. The value of @samp{overflow} means
31499 the tracing buffer is full. The value of @samp{disconnection} means
31500 tracing was automatically stopped when @value{GDBN} has disconnected.
31501 The value of @samp{passcount} means tracing was stopped when a
31502 tracepoint was passed a maximal number of times for that tracepoint.
31503 This field is present if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
31504
31505 @item stopping-tracepoint
31506 The number of tracepoint whose passcount as exceeded. This field is
31507 present iff the @samp{stop-reason} field has the value of
31508 @samp{passcount}.
31509
31510 @item frames
31511 @itemx frames-created
31512 The @samp{frames} field is a count of the total number of trace frames
31513 in the trace buffer, while @samp{frames-created} is the total created
31514 during the run, including ones that were discarded, such as when a
31515 circular trace buffer filled up. Both fields are optional.
31516
31517 @item buffer-size
31518 @itemx buffer-free
31519 These fields tell the current size of the tracing buffer and the
31520 remaining space. These fields are optional.
31521
31522 @item circular
31523 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
31524 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
31525 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
31526 and may fill up.
31527
31528 @item disconnected
31529 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
31530 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
31531 that the trace run will stop.
31532
31533 @item trace-file
31534 The filename of the trace file being examined. This field is
31535 optional, and only present when examining a trace file.
31536
31537 @end table
31538
31539 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31540
31541 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstatus}.
31542
31543 @subheading -trace-stop
31544 @findex -trace-stop
31545
31546 @subsubheading Synopsis
31547
31548 @smallexample
31549 -trace-stop
31550 @end smallexample
31551
31552 Stops a tracing experiment. The result of this command has the same
31553 fields as @code{-trace-status}, except that the @samp{supported} and
31554 @samp{running} fields are not output.
31555
31556 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31557
31558 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstop}.
31559
31560
31561 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31562 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
31563 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
31564
31565
31566 @ignore
31567 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
31568 @findex -symbol-info-address
31569
31570 @subsubheading Synopsis
31571
31572 @smallexample
31573 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
31574 @end smallexample
31575
31576 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
31577
31578 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31579
31580 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
31581
31582 @subsubheading Example
31583 N.A.
31584
31585
31586 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
31587 @findex -symbol-info-file
31588
31589 @subsubheading Synopsis
31590
31591 @smallexample
31592 -symbol-info-file
31593 @end smallexample
31594
31595 Show the file for the symbol.
31596
31597 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31598
31599 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
31600 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
31601
31602 @subsubheading Example
31603 N.A.
31604
31605
31606 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
31607 @findex -symbol-info-function
31608
31609 @subsubheading Synopsis
31610
31611 @smallexample
31612 -symbol-info-function
31613 @end smallexample
31614
31615 Show which function the symbol lives in.
31616
31617 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31618
31619 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
31620
31621 @subsubheading Example
31622 N.A.
31623
31624
31625 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
31626 @findex -symbol-info-line
31627
31628 @subsubheading Synopsis
31629
31630 @smallexample
31631 -symbol-info-line
31632 @end smallexample
31633
31634 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
31635
31636 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31637
31638 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
31639 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
31640
31641 @subsubheading Example
31642 N.A.
31643
31644
31645 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
31646 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
31647
31648 @subsubheading Synopsis
31649
31650 @smallexample
31651 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
31652 @end smallexample
31653
31654 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
31655
31656 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31657
31658 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
31659
31660 @subsubheading Example
31661 N.A.
31662
31663
31664 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
31665 @findex -symbol-list-functions
31666
31667 @subsubheading Synopsis
31668
31669 @smallexample
31670 -symbol-list-functions
31671 @end smallexample
31672
31673 List the functions in the executable.
31674
31675 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31676
31677 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
31678 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
31679
31680 @subsubheading Example
31681 N.A.
31682 @end ignore
31683
31684
31685 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
31686 @findex -symbol-list-lines
31687
31688 @subsubheading Synopsis
31689
31690 @smallexample
31691 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
31692 @end smallexample
31693
31694 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
31695 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
31696 ascending PC order.
31697
31698 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31699
31700 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
31701
31702 @subsubheading Example
31703 @smallexample
31704 (gdb)
31705 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
31706 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
31707 (gdb)
31708 @end smallexample
31709
31710
31711 @ignore
31712 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
31713 @findex -symbol-list-types
31714
31715 @subsubheading Synopsis
31716
31717 @smallexample
31718 -symbol-list-types
31719 @end smallexample
31720
31721 List all the type names.
31722
31723 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31724
31725 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
31726 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
31727
31728 @subsubheading Example
31729 N.A.
31730
31731
31732 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
31733 @findex -symbol-list-variables
31734
31735 @subsubheading Synopsis
31736
31737 @smallexample
31738 -symbol-list-variables
31739 @end smallexample
31740
31741 List all the global and static variable names.
31742
31743 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31744
31745 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
31746
31747 @subsubheading Example
31748 N.A.
31749
31750
31751 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
31752 @findex -symbol-locate
31753
31754 @subsubheading Synopsis
31755
31756 @smallexample
31757 -symbol-locate
31758 @end smallexample
31759
31760 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31761
31762 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
31763
31764 @subsubheading Example
31765 N.A.
31766
31767
31768 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
31769 @findex -symbol-type
31770
31771 @subsubheading Synopsis
31772
31773 @smallexample
31774 -symbol-type @var{variable}
31775 @end smallexample
31776
31777 Show type of @var{variable}.
31778
31779 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31780
31781 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
31782 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
31783
31784 @subsubheading Example
31785 N.A.
31786 @end ignore
31787
31788
31789 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31790 @node GDB/MI File Commands
31791 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
31792
31793 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
31794 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
31795
31796 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
31797 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
31798
31799 @subsubheading Synopsis
31800
31801 @smallexample
31802 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
31803 @end smallexample
31804
31805 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
31806 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
31807 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
31808 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
31809 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
31810 notification.
31811
31812 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31813
31814 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
31815
31816 @subsubheading Example
31817
31818 @smallexample
31819 (gdb)
31820 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
31821 ^done
31822 (gdb)
31823 @end smallexample
31824
31825
31826 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
31827 @findex -file-exec-file
31828
31829 @subsubheading Synopsis
31830
31831 @smallexample
31832 -file-exec-file @var{file}
31833 @end smallexample
31834
31835 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
31836 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
31837 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
31838 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
31839 notification.
31840
31841 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31842
31843 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
31844
31845 @subsubheading Example
31846
31847 @smallexample
31848 (gdb)
31849 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
31850 ^done
31851 (gdb)
31852 @end smallexample
31853
31854
31855 @ignore
31856 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
31857 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
31858
31859 @subsubheading Synopsis
31860
31861 @smallexample
31862 -file-list-exec-sections
31863 @end smallexample
31864
31865 List the sections of the current executable file.
31866
31867 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31868
31869 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
31870 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
31871 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
31872
31873 @subsubheading Example
31874 N.A.
31875 @end ignore
31876
31877
31878 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
31879 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
31880
31881 @subsubheading Synopsis
31882
31883 @smallexample
31884 -file-list-exec-source-file
31885 @end smallexample
31886
31887 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
31888 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
31889 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
31890 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
31891
31892 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31893
31894 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
31895
31896 @subsubheading Example
31897
31898 @smallexample
31899 (gdb)
31900 123-file-list-exec-source-file
31901 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
31902 (gdb)
31903 @end smallexample
31904
31905
31906 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
31907 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
31908
31909 @subsubheading Synopsis
31910
31911 @smallexample
31912 -file-list-exec-source-files
31913 @end smallexample
31914
31915 List the source files for the current executable.
31916
31917 It will always output both the filename and fullname (absolute file
31918 name) of a source file.
31919
31920 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31921
31922 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
31923 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
31924
31925 @subsubheading Example
31926 @smallexample
31927 (gdb)
31928 -file-list-exec-source-files
31929 ^done,files=[
31930 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
31931 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
31932 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
31933 (gdb)
31934 @end smallexample
31935
31936 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
31937 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
31938
31939 @subsubheading Synopsis
31940
31941 @smallexample
31942 -file-list-shared-libraries [ @var{regexp} ]
31943 @end smallexample
31944
31945 List the shared libraries in the program.
31946 With a regular expression @var{regexp}, only those libraries whose
31947 names match @var{regexp} are listed.
31948
31949 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31950
31951 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}. The fields
31952 have a similar meaning to the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
31953 The @code{ranges} field specifies the multiple segments belonging to this
31954 library. Each range has the following fields:
31955
31956 @table @samp
31957 @item from
31958 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the segment.
31959 @item to
31960 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the segment.
31961 @end table
31962
31963 @subsubheading Example
31964 @smallexample
31965 (gdb)
31966 -file-list-exec-source-files
31967 ^done,shared-libraries=[
31968 @{id="/lib/libfoo.so",target-name="/lib/libfoo.so",host-name="/lib/libfoo.so",symbols-loaded="1",thread-group="i1",ranges=[@{from="0x72815989",to="0x728162c0"@}]@},
31969 @{id="/lib/libbar.so",target-name="/lib/libbar.so",host-name="/lib/libbar.so",symbols-loaded="1",thread-group="i1",ranges=[@{from="0x76ee48c0",to="0x76ee9160"@}]@}]
31970 (gdb)
31971 @end smallexample
31972
31973
31974 @ignore
31975 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
31976 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
31977
31978 @subsubheading Synopsis
31979
31980 @smallexample
31981 -file-list-symbol-files
31982 @end smallexample
31983
31984 List symbol files.
31985
31986 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31987
31988 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
31989
31990 @subsubheading Example
31991 N.A.
31992 @end ignore
31993
31994
31995 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
31996 @findex -file-symbol-file
31997
31998 @subsubheading Synopsis
31999
32000 @smallexample
32001 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
32002 @end smallexample
32003
32004 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
32005 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
32006 produced, except for a completion notification.
32007
32008 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32009
32010 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
32011
32012 @subsubheading Example
32013
32014 @smallexample
32015 (gdb)
32016 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
32017 ^done
32018 (gdb)
32019 @end smallexample
32020
32021 @ignore
32022 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32023 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
32024 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
32025
32026 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
32027
32028 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
32029
32030 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
32031
32032 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
32033
32034 @c @subheading -overlay-map
32035
32036 @c @subheading -overlay-off
32037
32038 @c @subheading -overlay-on
32039
32040 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
32041
32042 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32043 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
32044 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
32045
32046 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
32047
32048 @c @subheading -signal-handle
32049
32050 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
32051
32052 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
32053 @end ignore
32054
32055
32056 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32057 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
32058 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
32059
32060
32061 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
32062 @findex -target-attach
32063
32064 @subsubheading Synopsis
32065
32066 @smallexample
32067 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
32068 @end smallexample
32069
32070 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
32071 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
32072 group, the id previously returned by
32073 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
32074
32075 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32076
32077 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
32078
32079 @subsubheading Example
32080 @smallexample
32081 (gdb)
32082 -target-attach 34
32083 =thread-created,id="1"
32084 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
32085 ^done
32086 (gdb)
32087 @end smallexample
32088
32089 @ignore
32090 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
32091 @findex -target-compare-sections
32092
32093 @subsubheading Synopsis
32094
32095 @smallexample
32096 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
32097 @end smallexample
32098
32099 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
32100 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
32101
32102 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32103
32104 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
32105
32106 @subsubheading Example
32107 N.A.
32108 @end ignore
32109
32110
32111 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
32112 @findex -target-detach
32113
32114 @subsubheading Synopsis
32115
32116 @smallexample
32117 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
32118 @end smallexample
32119
32120 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
32121 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
32122 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
32123
32124 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32125
32126 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
32127
32128 @subsubheading Example
32129
32130 @smallexample
32131 (gdb)
32132 -target-detach
32133 ^done
32134 (gdb)
32135 @end smallexample
32136
32137
32138 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
32139 @findex -target-disconnect
32140
32141 @subsubheading Synopsis
32142
32143 @smallexample
32144 -target-disconnect
32145 @end smallexample
32146
32147 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
32148 generally not resumed.
32149
32150 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32151
32152 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
32153
32154 @subsubheading Example
32155
32156 @smallexample
32157 (gdb)
32158 -target-disconnect
32159 ^done
32160 (gdb)
32161 @end smallexample
32162
32163
32164 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
32165 @findex -target-download
32166
32167 @subsubheading Synopsis
32168
32169 @smallexample
32170 -target-download
32171 @end smallexample
32172
32173 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
32174 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
32175
32176 @table @samp
32177 @item section
32178 The name of the section.
32179 @item section-sent
32180 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
32181 @item section-size
32182 The size of the section.
32183 @item total-sent
32184 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
32185 @item total-size
32186 The size of the overall executable to download.
32187 @end table
32188
32189 @noindent
32190 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
32191 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
32192
32193 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
32194 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
32195
32196 @table @samp
32197 @item section
32198 The name of the section.
32199 @item section-size
32200 The size of the section.
32201 @item total-size
32202 The size of the overall executable to download.
32203 @end table
32204
32205 @noindent
32206 At the end, a summary is printed.
32207
32208 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32209
32210 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
32211
32212 @subsubheading Example
32213
32214 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
32215 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
32216
32217 @smallexample
32218 (gdb)
32219 -target-download
32220 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
32221 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
32222 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
32223 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
32224 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
32225 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
32226 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
32227 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
32228 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
32229 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
32230 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
32231 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
32232 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
32233 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
32234 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
32235 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
32236 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
32237 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
32238 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
32239 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
32240 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
32241 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
32242 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
32243 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
32244 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
32245 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
32246 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
32247 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
32248 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
32249 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
32250 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
32251 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
32252 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
32253 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
32254 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
32255 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
32256 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
32257 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
32258 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
32259 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
32260 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
32261 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
32262 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
32263 write-rate="429"
32264 (gdb)
32265 @end smallexample
32266
32267
32268 @ignore
32269 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
32270 @findex -target-exec-status
32271
32272 @subsubheading Synopsis
32273
32274 @smallexample
32275 -target-exec-status
32276 @end smallexample
32277
32278 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
32279 not, for instance).
32280
32281 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32282
32283 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
32284
32285 @subsubheading Example
32286 N.A.
32287
32288
32289 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
32290 @findex -target-list-available-targets
32291
32292 @subsubheading Synopsis
32293
32294 @smallexample
32295 -target-list-available-targets
32296 @end smallexample
32297
32298 List the possible targets to connect to.
32299
32300 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32301
32302 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
32303
32304 @subsubheading Example
32305 N.A.
32306
32307
32308 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
32309 @findex -target-list-current-targets
32310
32311 @subsubheading Synopsis
32312
32313 @smallexample
32314 -target-list-current-targets
32315 @end smallexample
32316
32317 Describe the current target.
32318
32319 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32320
32321 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
32322 other things).
32323
32324 @subsubheading Example
32325 N.A.
32326
32327
32328 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
32329 @findex -target-list-parameters
32330
32331 @subsubheading Synopsis
32332
32333 @smallexample
32334 -target-list-parameters
32335 @end smallexample
32336
32337 @c ????
32338 @end ignore
32339
32340 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32341
32342 No equivalent.
32343
32344 @subsubheading Example
32345 N.A.
32346
32347 @subheading The @code{-target-flash-erase} Command
32348 @findex -target-flash-erase
32349
32350 @subsubheading Synopsis
32351
32352 @smallexample
32353 -target-flash-erase
32354 @end smallexample
32355
32356 Erases all known flash memory regions on the target.
32357
32358 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{flash-erase}.
32359
32360 The output is a list of flash regions that have been erased, with starting
32361 addresses and memory region sizes.
32362
32363 @smallexample
32364 (gdb)
32365 -target-flash-erase
32366 ^done,erased-regions=@{address="0x0",size="0x40000"@}
32367 (gdb)
32368 @end smallexample
32369
32370 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
32371 @findex -target-select
32372
32373 @subsubheading Synopsis
32374
32375 @smallexample
32376 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
32377 @end smallexample
32378
32379 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
32380
32381 @table @samp
32382 @item @var{type}
32383 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
32384 @item @var{parameters}
32385 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
32386 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
32387 @end table
32388
32389 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
32390 which the target program is, in the following form:
32391
32392 @smallexample
32393 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
32394 args=[@var{arg list}]
32395 @end smallexample
32396
32397 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32398
32399 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
32400
32401 @subsubheading Example
32402
32403 @smallexample
32404 (gdb)
32405 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
32406 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
32407 (gdb)
32408 @end smallexample
32409
32410 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32411 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
32412 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
32413
32414
32415 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
32416 @findex -target-file-put
32417
32418 @subsubheading Synopsis
32419
32420 @smallexample
32421 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
32422 @end smallexample
32423
32424 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
32425 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
32426
32427 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32428
32429 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
32430
32431 @subsubheading Example
32432
32433 @smallexample
32434 (gdb)
32435 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
32436 ^done
32437 (gdb)
32438 @end smallexample
32439
32440
32441 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
32442 @findex -target-file-get
32443
32444 @subsubheading Synopsis
32445
32446 @smallexample
32447 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
32448 @end smallexample
32449
32450 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
32451 on the host system.
32452
32453 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32454
32455 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
32456
32457 @subsubheading Example
32458
32459 @smallexample
32460 (gdb)
32461 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
32462 ^done
32463 (gdb)
32464 @end smallexample
32465
32466
32467 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
32468 @findex -target-file-delete
32469
32470 @subsubheading Synopsis
32471
32472 @smallexample
32473 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
32474 @end smallexample
32475
32476 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
32477
32478 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32479
32480 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
32481
32482 @subsubheading Example
32483
32484 @smallexample
32485 (gdb)
32486 -target-file-delete remotefile
32487 ^done
32488 (gdb)
32489 @end smallexample
32490
32491
32492 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32493 @node GDB/MI Ada Exceptions Commands
32494 @section Ada Exceptions @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
32495
32496 @subheading The @code{-info-ada-exceptions} Command
32497 @findex -info-ada-exceptions
32498
32499 @subsubheading Synopsis
32500
32501 @smallexample
32502 -info-ada-exceptions [ @var{regexp}]
32503 @end smallexample
32504
32505 List all Ada exceptions defined within the program being debugged.
32506 With a regular expression @var{regexp}, only those exceptions whose
32507 names match @var{regexp} are listed.
32508
32509 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32510
32511 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info exceptions}.
32512
32513 @subsubheading Result
32514
32515 The result is a table of Ada exceptions. The following columns are
32516 defined for each exception:
32517
32518 @table @samp
32519 @item name
32520 The name of the exception.
32521
32522 @item address
32523 The address of the exception.
32524
32525 @end table
32526
32527 @subsubheading Example
32528
32529 @smallexample
32530 -info-ada-exceptions aint
32531 ^done,ada-exceptions=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="2",
32532 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
32533 @{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="address",colhdr="Address"@}],
32534 body=[@{name="constraint_error",address="0x0000000000613da0"@},
32535 @{name="const.aint_global_e",address="0x0000000000613b00"@}]@}
32536 @end smallexample
32537
32538 @subheading Catching Ada Exceptions
32539
32540 The commands describing how to ask @value{GDBN} to stop when a program
32541 raises an exception are described at @ref{Ada Exception GDB/MI
32542 Catchpoint Commands}.
32543
32544
32545 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32546 @node GDB/MI Support Commands
32547 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Support Commands
32548
32549 Since new commands and features get regularly added to @sc{gdb/mi},
32550 some commands are available to help front-ends query the debugger
32551 about support for these capabilities. Similarly, it is also possible
32552 to query @value{GDBN} about target support of certain features.
32553
32554 @subheading The @code{-info-gdb-mi-command} Command
32555 @cindex @code{-info-gdb-mi-command}
32556 @findex -info-gdb-mi-command
32557
32558 @subsubheading Synopsis
32559
32560 @smallexample
32561 -info-gdb-mi-command @var{cmd_name}
32562 @end smallexample
32563
32564 Query support for the @sc{gdb/mi} command named @var{cmd_name}.
32565
32566 Note that the dash (@code{-}) starting all @sc{gdb/mi} commands
32567 is technically not part of the command name (@pxref{GDB/MI Input
32568 Syntax}), and thus should be omitted in @var{cmd_name}. However,
32569 for ease of use, this command also accepts the form with the leading
32570 dash.
32571
32572 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32573
32574 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
32575
32576 @subsubheading Result
32577
32578 The result is a tuple. There is currently only one field:
32579
32580 @table @samp
32581 @item exists
32582 This field is equal to @code{"true"} if the @sc{gdb/mi} command exists,
32583 @code{"false"} otherwise.
32584
32585 @end table
32586
32587 @subsubheading Example
32588
32589 Here is an example where the @sc{gdb/mi} command does not exist:
32590
32591 @smallexample
32592 -info-gdb-mi-command unsupported-command
32593 ^done,command=@{exists="false"@}
32594 @end smallexample
32595
32596 @noindent
32597 And here is an example where the @sc{gdb/mi} command is known
32598 to the debugger:
32599
32600 @smallexample
32601 -info-gdb-mi-command symbol-list-lines
32602 ^done,command=@{exists="true"@}
32603 @end smallexample
32604
32605 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
32606 @findex -list-features
32607 @cindex supported @sc{gdb/mi} features, list
32608
32609 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
32610 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
32611 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
32612 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
32613 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
32614 startup.
32615
32616 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
32617 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
32618 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
32619 is given below.
32620
32621 Example output:
32622
32623 @smallexample
32624 (gdb) -list-features
32625 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
32626 @end smallexample
32627
32628 The current list of features is:
32629
32630 @ftable @samp
32631 @item frozen-varobjs
32632 Indicates support for the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
32633 as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
32634 of @code{-varobj-create}.
32635 @item pending-breakpoints
32636 Indicates support for the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert}
32637 command.
32638 @item python
32639 Indicates Python scripting support, Python-based
32640 pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
32641 @samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
32642 @item thread-info
32643 Indicates support for the @code{-thread-info} command.
32644 @item data-read-memory-bytes
32645 Indicates support for the @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} and the
32646 @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} commands.
32647 @item breakpoint-notifications
32648 Indicates that changes to breakpoints and breakpoints created via the
32649 CLI will be announced via async records.
32650 @item ada-task-info
32651 Indicates support for the @code{-ada-task-info} command.
32652 @item language-option
32653 Indicates that all @sc{gdb/mi} commands accept the @option{--language}
32654 option (@pxref{Context management}).
32655 @item info-gdb-mi-command
32656 Indicates support for the @code{-info-gdb-mi-command} command.
32657 @item undefined-command-error-code
32658 Indicates support for the "undefined-command" error code in error result
32659 records, produced when trying to execute an undefined @sc{gdb/mi} command
32660 (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}).
32661 @item exec-run-start-option
32662 Indicates that the @code{-exec-run} command supports the @option{--start}
32663 option (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}).
32664 @end ftable
32665
32666 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
32667 @findex -list-target-features
32668
32669 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
32670 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
32671 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
32672 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
32673 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
32674 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
32675 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
32676 Example output:
32677
32678 @smallexample
32679 (gdb) -list-target-features
32680 ^done,result=["async"]
32681 @end smallexample
32682
32683 The current list of features is:
32684
32685 @table @samp
32686 @item async
32687 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
32688 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
32689 while the target is running.
32690
32691 @item reverse
32692 Indicates that the target is capable of reverse execution.
32693 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
32694
32695 @end table
32696
32697 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32698 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
32699 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
32700
32701 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
32702
32703 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
32704 @findex -gdb-exit
32705
32706 @subsubheading Synopsis
32707
32708 @smallexample
32709 -gdb-exit
32710 @end smallexample
32711
32712 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
32713
32714 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32715
32716 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
32717
32718 @subsubheading Example
32719
32720 @smallexample
32721 (gdb)
32722 -gdb-exit
32723 ^exit
32724 @end smallexample
32725
32726
32727 @ignore
32728 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
32729 @findex -exec-abort
32730
32731 @subsubheading Synopsis
32732
32733 @smallexample
32734 -exec-abort
32735 @end smallexample
32736
32737 Kill the inferior running program.
32738
32739 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32740
32741 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
32742
32743 @subsubheading Example
32744 N.A.
32745 @end ignore
32746
32747
32748 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
32749 @findex -gdb-set
32750
32751 @subsubheading Synopsis
32752
32753 @smallexample
32754 -gdb-set
32755 @end smallexample
32756
32757 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
32758 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
32759
32760 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32761
32762 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
32763
32764 @subsubheading Example
32765
32766 @smallexample
32767 (gdb)
32768 -gdb-set $foo=3
32769 ^done
32770 (gdb)
32771 @end smallexample
32772
32773
32774 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
32775 @findex -gdb-show
32776
32777 @subsubheading Synopsis
32778
32779 @smallexample
32780 -gdb-show
32781 @end smallexample
32782
32783 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
32784
32785 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32786
32787 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
32788
32789 @subsubheading Example
32790
32791 @smallexample
32792 (gdb)
32793 -gdb-show annotate
32794 ^done,value="0"
32795 (gdb)
32796 @end smallexample
32797
32798 @c @subheading -gdb-source
32799
32800
32801 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
32802 @findex -gdb-version
32803
32804 @subsubheading Synopsis
32805
32806 @smallexample
32807 -gdb-version
32808 @end smallexample
32809
32810 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
32811
32812 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32813
32814 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
32815 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
32816
32817 @subsubheading Example
32818
32819 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
32820 @c box in TeX.
32821 @smallexample
32822 (gdb)
32823 -gdb-version
32824 ~GNU gdb 5.2.1
32825 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
32826 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
32827 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
32828 ~ certain conditions.
32829 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
32830 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
32831 ~ details.
32832 ~This GDB was configured as
32833 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
32834 ^done
32835 (gdb)
32836 @end smallexample
32837
32838 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
32839 @findex -list-thread-groups
32840
32841 @subheading Synopsis
32842
32843 @smallexample
32844 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ --recurse 1 ] [ @var{group} ... ]
32845 @end smallexample
32846
32847 Lists thread groups (@pxref{Thread groups}). When a single thread
32848 group is passed as the argument, lists the children of that group.
32849 When several thread group are passed, lists information about those
32850 thread groups. Without any parameters, lists information about all
32851 top-level thread groups.
32852
32853 Normally, thread groups that are being debugged are reported.
32854 With the @samp{--available} option, @value{GDBN} reports thread groups
32855 available on the target.
32856
32857 The output of this command may have either a @samp{threads} result or
32858 a @samp{groups} result. The @samp{thread} result has a list of tuples
32859 as value, with each tuple describing a thread (@pxref{GDB/MI Thread
32860 Information}). The @samp{groups} result has a list of tuples as value,
32861 each tuple describing a thread group. If top-level groups are
32862 requested (that is, no parameter is passed), or when several groups
32863 are passed, the output always has a @samp{groups} result. The format
32864 of the @samp{group} result is described below.
32865
32866 To reduce the number of roundtrips it's possible to list thread groups
32867 together with their children, by passing the @samp{--recurse} option
32868 and the recursion depth. Presently, only recursion depth of 1 is
32869 permitted. If this option is present, then every reported thread group
32870 will also include its children, either as @samp{group} or
32871 @samp{threads} field.
32872
32873 In general, any combination of option and parameters is permitted, with
32874 the following caveats:
32875
32876 @itemize @bullet
32877 @item
32878 When a single thread group is passed, the output will typically
32879 be the @samp{threads} result. Because threads may not contain
32880 anything, the @samp{recurse} option will be ignored.
32881
32882 @item
32883 When the @samp{--available} option is passed, limited information may
32884 be available. In particular, the list of threads of a process might
32885 be inaccessible. Further, specifying specific thread groups might
32886 not give any performance advantage over listing all thread groups.
32887 The frontend should assume that @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}
32888 is always an expensive operation and cache the results.
32889
32890 @end itemize
32891
32892 The @samp{groups} result is a list of tuples, where each tuple may
32893 have the following fields:
32894
32895 @table @code
32896 @item id
32897 Identifier of the thread group. This field is always present.
32898 The identifier is an opaque string; frontends should not try to
32899 convert it to an integer, even though it might look like one.
32900
32901 @item type
32902 The type of the thread group. At present, only @samp{process} is a
32903 valid type.
32904
32905 @item pid
32906 The target-specific process identifier. This field is only present
32907 for thread groups of type @samp{process} and only if the process exists.
32908
32909 @item exit-code
32910 The exit code of this group's last exited thread, formatted in octal.
32911 This field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process} and
32912 only if the process is not running.
32913
32914 @item num_children
32915 The number of children this thread group has. This field may be
32916 absent for an available thread group.
32917
32918 @item threads
32919 This field has a list of tuples as value, each tuple describing a
32920 thread. It may be present if the @samp{--recurse} option is
32921 specified, and it's actually possible to obtain the threads.
32922
32923 @item cores
32924 This field is a list of integers, each identifying a core that one
32925 thread of the group is running on. This field may be absent if
32926 such information is not available.
32927
32928 @item executable
32929 The name of the executable file that corresponds to this thread group.
32930 The field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process},
32931 and only if there is a corresponding executable file.
32932
32933 @end table
32934
32935 @subheading Example
32936
32937 @smallexample
32938 @value{GDBP}
32939 -list-thread-groups
32940 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
32941 -list-thread-groups 17
32942 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
32943 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
32944 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
32945 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
32946 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
32947 -list-thread-groups --available
32948 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2]@}]
32949 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1
32950 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
32951 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
32952 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},..]
32953 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1 17 18
32954 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
32955 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
32956 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},...]
32957 @end smallexample
32958
32959 @subheading The @code{-info-os} Command
32960 @findex -info-os
32961
32962 @subsubheading Synopsis
32963
32964 @smallexample
32965 -info-os [ @var{type} ]
32966 @end smallexample
32967
32968 If no argument is supplied, the command returns a table of available
32969 operating-system-specific information types. If one of these types is
32970 supplied as an argument @var{type}, then the command returns a table
32971 of data of that type.
32972
32973 The types of information available depend on the target operating
32974 system.
32975
32976 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32977
32978 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info os}.
32979
32980 @subsubheading Example
32981
32982 When run on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, the output will look something
32983 like this:
32984
32985 @smallexample
32986 @value{GDBP}
32987 -info-os
32988 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="10",nr_cols="3",
32989 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="Type"@},
32990 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="Description"@},
32991 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="Title"@}],
32992 body=[item=@{col0="cpus",col1="Listing of all cpus/cores on the system",
32993 col2="CPUs"@},
32994 item=@{col0="files",col1="Listing of all file descriptors",
32995 col2="File descriptors"@},
32996 item=@{col0="modules",col1="Listing of all loaded kernel modules",
32997 col2="Kernel modules"@},
32998 item=@{col0="msg",col1="Listing of all message queues",
32999 col2="Message queues"@},
33000 item=@{col0="processes",col1="Listing of all processes",
33001 col2="Processes"@},
33002 item=@{col0="procgroups",col1="Listing of all process groups",
33003 col2="Process groups"@},
33004 item=@{col0="semaphores",col1="Listing of all semaphores",
33005 col2="Semaphores"@},
33006 item=@{col0="shm",col1="Listing of all shared-memory regions",
33007 col2="Shared-memory regions"@},
33008 item=@{col0="sockets",col1="Listing of all internet-domain sockets",
33009 col2="Sockets"@},
33010 item=@{col0="threads",col1="Listing of all threads",
33011 col2="Threads"@}]
33012 @value{GDBP}
33013 -info-os processes
33014 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="190",nr_cols="4",
33015 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="pid"@},
33016 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="user"@},
33017 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="command"@},
33018 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col3",colhdr="cores"@}],
33019 body=[item=@{col0="1",col1="root",col2="/sbin/init",col3="0"@},
33020 item=@{col0="2",col1="root",col2="[kthreadd]",col3="1"@},
33021 item=@{col0="3",col1="root",col2="[ksoftirqd/0]",col3="0"@},
33022 ...
33023 item=@{col0="26446",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="0"@},
33024 item=@{col0="28152",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="1"@}]@}
33025 (gdb)
33026 @end smallexample
33027
33028 (Note that the MI output here includes a @code{"Title"} column that
33029 does not appear in command-line @code{info os}; this column is useful
33030 for MI clients that want to enumerate the types of data, such as in a
33031 popup menu, but is needless clutter on the command line, and
33032 @code{info os} omits it.)
33033
33034 @subheading The @code{-add-inferior} Command
33035 @findex -add-inferior
33036
33037 @subheading Synopsis
33038
33039 @smallexample
33040 -add-inferior
33041 @end smallexample
33042
33043 Creates a new inferior (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). The created
33044 inferior is not associated with any executable. Such association may
33045 be established with the @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols} command
33046 (@pxref{GDB/MI File Commands}). The command response has a single
33047 field, @samp{inferior}, whose value is the identifier of the
33048 thread group corresponding to the new inferior.
33049
33050 @subheading Example
33051
33052 @smallexample
33053 @value{GDBP}
33054 -add-inferior
33055 ^done,inferior="i3"
33056 @end smallexample
33057
33058 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
33059 @findex -interpreter-exec
33060
33061 @subheading Synopsis
33062
33063 @smallexample
33064 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
33065 @end smallexample
33066 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
33067
33068 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
33069
33070 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
33071
33072 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
33073
33074 @subheading Example
33075
33076 @smallexample
33077 (gdb)
33078 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
33079 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
33080 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
33081 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
33082 ^done
33083 (gdb)
33084 @end smallexample
33085
33086 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
33087 @findex -inferior-tty-set
33088
33089 @subheading Synopsis
33090
33091 @smallexample
33092 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
33093 @end smallexample
33094
33095 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
33096
33097 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
33098
33099 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
33100
33101 @subheading Example
33102
33103 @smallexample
33104 (gdb)
33105 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
33106 ^done
33107 (gdb)
33108 @end smallexample
33109
33110 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
33111 @findex -inferior-tty-show
33112
33113 @subheading Synopsis
33114
33115 @smallexample
33116 -inferior-tty-show
33117 @end smallexample
33118
33119 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
33120
33121 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
33122
33123 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
33124
33125 @subheading Example
33126
33127 @smallexample
33128 (gdb)
33129 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
33130 ^done
33131 (gdb)
33132 -inferior-tty-show
33133 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
33134 (gdb)
33135 @end smallexample
33136
33137 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
33138 @findex -enable-timings
33139
33140 @subheading Synopsis
33141
33142 @smallexample
33143 -enable-timings [yes | no]
33144 @end smallexample
33145
33146 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
33147 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
33148 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
33149 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
33150
33151 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
33152
33153 No equivalent.
33154
33155 @subheading Example
33156
33157 @smallexample
33158 (gdb)
33159 -enable-timings
33160 ^done
33161 (gdb)
33162 -break-insert main
33163 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
33164 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
33165 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",thread-groups=["i1"],
33166 times="0"@},
33167 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
33168 (gdb)
33169 -enable-timings no
33170 ^done
33171 (gdb)
33172 -exec-run
33173 ^running
33174 (gdb)
33175 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
33176 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
33177 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
33178 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
33179 (gdb)
33180 @end smallexample
33181
33182 @node Annotations
33183 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
33184
33185 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
33186 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
33187 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
33188 relatively high level.
33189
33190 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
33191 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
33192
33193 @ignore
33194 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
33195 @end ignore
33196
33197 @menu
33198 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
33199 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
33200 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
33201 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
33202 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
33203 * Annotations for Running::
33204 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
33205 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
33206 @end menu
33207
33208 @node Annotations Overview
33209 @section What is an Annotation?
33210 @cindex annotations
33211
33212 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
33213 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
33214 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
33215 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
33216 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
33217 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
33218 cannot contain newline characters.
33219
33220 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
33221 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
33222 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
33223 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
33224 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
33225 means those three characters as output.
33226
33227 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
33228 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
33229 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
33230 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
33231 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
33232 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
33233 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
33234 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
33235 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
33236
33237 @table @code
33238 @kindex set annotate
33239 @item set annotate @var{level}
33240 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
33241 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
33242
33243 @item show annotate
33244 @kindex show annotate
33245 Show the current annotation level.
33246 @end table
33247
33248 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
33249
33250 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
33251
33252 @smallexample
33253 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
33254 GNU gdb 6.0
33255 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
33256 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
33257 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
33258 under certain conditions.
33259 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
33260 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
33261 for details.
33262 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
33263
33264 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
33265 (@value{GDBP})
33266 ^Z^Zprompt
33267 @kbd{quit}
33268
33269 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
33270 $
33271 @end smallexample
33272
33273 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
33274 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
33275 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
33276 output from @value{GDBN}.
33277
33278 @node Server Prefix
33279 @section The Server Prefix
33280 @cindex server prefix
33281
33282 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
33283 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
33284 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
33285 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
33286 a transparent manner.
33287
33288 The @code{server } prefix does not affect the recording of values into
33289 the value history; to print a value without recording it into the
33290 value history, use the @code{output} command instead of the
33291 @code{print} command.
33292
33293 Using this prefix also disables confirmation requests
33294 (@pxref{confirmation requests}).
33295
33296 @node Prompting
33297 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
33298
33299 @cindex annotations for prompts
33300 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
33301 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
33302 over, etc.
33303
33304 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
33305 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
33306 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
33307 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
33308 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
33309 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
33310 features the following annotations:
33311
33312 @smallexample
33313 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
33314 ^Z^Zprompt
33315 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
33316 @end smallexample
33317
33318 The input types are
33319
33320 @table @code
33321 @findex pre-prompt annotation
33322 @findex prompt annotation
33323 @findex post-prompt annotation
33324 @item prompt
33325 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
33326
33327 @findex pre-commands annotation
33328 @findex commands annotation
33329 @findex post-commands annotation
33330 @item commands
33331 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
33332 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
33333
33334 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
33335 @findex overload-choice annotation
33336 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
33337 @item overload-choice
33338 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
33339
33340 @findex pre-query annotation
33341 @findex query annotation
33342 @findex post-query annotation
33343 @item query
33344 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
33345
33346 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
33347 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
33348 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
33349 @item prompt-for-continue
33350 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
33351 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
33352 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
33353 presence of annotations.
33354 @end table
33355
33356 @node Errors
33357 @section Errors
33358 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
33359
33360 @findex quit annotation
33361 @smallexample
33362 ^Z^Zquit
33363 @end smallexample
33364
33365 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
33366
33367 @findex error annotation
33368 @smallexample
33369 ^Z^Zerror
33370 @end smallexample
33371
33372 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
33373
33374 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
33375 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
33376 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
33377 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
33378 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
33379 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
33380 to the top level.
33381
33382 @findex error-begin annotation
33383 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
33384
33385 @smallexample
33386 ^Z^Zerror-begin
33387 @end smallexample
33388
33389 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
33390 message.
33391
33392 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
33393 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
33394 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
33395
33396 @node Invalidation
33397 @section Invalidation Notices
33398
33399 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
33400 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
33401 changed.
33402
33403 @table @code
33404 @findex frames-invalid annotation
33405 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
33406
33407 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
33408 have changed.
33409
33410 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
33411 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
33412
33413 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
33414 deleted a breakpoint.
33415 @end table
33416
33417 @node Annotations for Running
33418 @section Running the Program
33419 @cindex annotations for running programs
33420
33421 @findex starting annotation
33422 @findex stopping annotation
33423 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
33424 @code{step} or @code{continue},
33425
33426 @smallexample
33427 ^Z^Zstarting
33428 @end smallexample
33429
33430 is output. When the program stops,
33431
33432 @smallexample
33433 ^Z^Zstopped
33434 @end smallexample
33435
33436 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
33437 annotations describe how the program stopped.
33438
33439 @table @code
33440 @findex exited annotation
33441 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
33442 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
33443 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
33444
33445 @findex signalled annotation
33446 @findex signal-name annotation
33447 @findex signal-name-end annotation
33448 @findex signal-string annotation
33449 @findex signal-string-end annotation
33450 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
33451 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
33452 annotation continues:
33453
33454 @smallexample
33455 @var{intro-text}
33456 ^Z^Zsignal-name
33457 @var{name}
33458 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
33459 @var{middle-text}
33460 ^Z^Zsignal-string
33461 @var{string}
33462 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
33463 @var{end-text}
33464 @end smallexample
33465
33466 @noindent
33467 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
33468 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
33469 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}. The arguments
33470 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
33471 user's benefit and have no particular format.
33472
33473 @findex signal annotation
33474 @item ^Z^Zsignal
33475 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
33476 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
33477 terminated with it.
33478
33479 @findex breakpoint annotation
33480 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
33481 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
33482
33483 @findex watchpoint annotation
33484 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
33485 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
33486 @end table
33487
33488 @node Source Annotations
33489 @section Displaying Source
33490 @cindex annotations for source display
33491
33492 @findex source annotation
33493 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
33494
33495 @smallexample
33496 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
33497 @end smallexample
33498
33499 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
33500 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
33501 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
33502 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
33503 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
33504 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
33505 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
33506 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
33507 source which is being displayed. The @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
33508 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
33509 depend on the language).
33510
33511 @node JIT Interface
33512 @chapter JIT Compilation Interface
33513 @cindex just-in-time compilation
33514 @cindex JIT compilation interface
33515
33516 This chapter documents @value{GDBN}'s @dfn{just-in-time} (JIT) compilation
33517 interface. A JIT compiler is a program or library that generates native
33518 executable code at runtime and executes it, usually in order to achieve good
33519 performance while maintaining platform independence.
33520
33521 Programs that use JIT compilation are normally difficult to debug because
33522 portions of their code are generated at runtime, instead of being loaded from
33523 object files, which is where @value{GDBN} normally finds the program's symbols
33524 and debug information. In order to debug programs that use JIT compilation,
33525 @value{GDBN} has an interface that allows the program to register in-memory
33526 symbol files with @value{GDBN} at runtime.
33527
33528 If you are using @value{GDBN} to debug a program that uses this interface, then
33529 it should work transparently so long as you have not stripped the binary. If
33530 you are developing a JIT compiler, then the interface is documented in the rest
33531 of this chapter. At this time, the only known client of this interface is the
33532 LLVM JIT.
33533
33534 Broadly speaking, the JIT interface mirrors the dynamic loader interface. The
33535 JIT compiler communicates with @value{GDBN} by writing data into a global
33536 variable and calling a fuction at a well-known symbol. When @value{GDBN}
33537 attaches, it reads a linked list of symbol files from the global variable to
33538 find existing code, and puts a breakpoint in the function so that it can find
33539 out about additional code.
33540
33541 @menu
33542 * Declarations:: Relevant C struct declarations
33543 * Registering Code:: Steps to register code
33544 * Unregistering Code:: Steps to unregister code
33545 * Custom Debug Info:: Emit debug information in a custom format
33546 @end menu
33547
33548 @node Declarations
33549 @section JIT Declarations
33550
33551 These are the relevant struct declarations that a C program should include to
33552 implement the interface:
33553
33554 @smallexample
33555 typedef enum
33556 @{
33557 JIT_NOACTION = 0,
33558 JIT_REGISTER_FN,
33559 JIT_UNREGISTER_FN
33560 @} jit_actions_t;
33561
33562 struct jit_code_entry
33563 @{
33564 struct jit_code_entry *next_entry;
33565 struct jit_code_entry *prev_entry;
33566 const char *symfile_addr;
33567 uint64_t symfile_size;
33568 @};
33569
33570 struct jit_descriptor
33571 @{
33572 uint32_t version;
33573 /* This type should be jit_actions_t, but we use uint32_t
33574 to be explicit about the bitwidth. */
33575 uint32_t action_flag;
33576 struct jit_code_entry *relevant_entry;
33577 struct jit_code_entry *first_entry;
33578 @};
33579
33580 /* GDB puts a breakpoint in this function. */
33581 void __attribute__((noinline)) __jit_debug_register_code() @{ @};
33582
33583 /* Make sure to specify the version statically, because the
33584 debugger may check the version before we can set it. */
33585 struct jit_descriptor __jit_debug_descriptor = @{ 1, 0, 0, 0 @};
33586 @end smallexample
33587
33588 If the JIT is multi-threaded, then it is important that the JIT synchronize any
33589 modifications to this global data properly, which can easily be done by putting
33590 a global mutex around modifications to these structures.
33591
33592 @node Registering Code
33593 @section Registering Code
33594
33595 To register code with @value{GDBN}, the JIT should follow this protocol:
33596
33597 @itemize @bullet
33598 @item
33599 Generate an object file in memory with symbols and other desired debug
33600 information. The file must include the virtual addresses of the sections.
33601
33602 @item
33603 Create a code entry for the file, which gives the start and size of the symbol
33604 file.
33605
33606 @item
33607 Add it to the linked list in the JIT descriptor.
33608
33609 @item
33610 Point the relevant_entry field of the descriptor at the entry.
33611
33612 @item
33613 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_REGISTER} and call
33614 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
33615 @end itemize
33616
33617 When @value{GDBN} is attached and the breakpoint fires, @value{GDBN} uses the
33618 @code{relevant_entry} pointer so it doesn't have to walk the list looking for
33619 new code. However, the linked list must still be maintained in order to allow
33620 @value{GDBN} to attach to a running process and still find the symbol files.
33621
33622 @node Unregistering Code
33623 @section Unregistering Code
33624
33625 If code is freed, then the JIT should use the following protocol:
33626
33627 @itemize @bullet
33628 @item
33629 Remove the code entry corresponding to the code from the linked list.
33630
33631 @item
33632 Point the @code{relevant_entry} field of the descriptor at the code entry.
33633
33634 @item
33635 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_UNREGISTER} and call
33636 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
33637 @end itemize
33638
33639 If the JIT frees or recompiles code without unregistering it, then @value{GDBN}
33640 and the JIT will leak the memory used for the associated symbol files.
33641
33642 @node Custom Debug Info
33643 @section Custom Debug Info
33644 @cindex custom JIT debug info
33645 @cindex JIT debug info reader
33646
33647 Generating debug information in platform-native file formats (like ELF
33648 or COFF) may be an overkill for JIT compilers; especially if all the
33649 debug info is used for is displaying a meaningful backtrace. The
33650 issue can be resolved by having the JIT writers decide on a debug info
33651 format and also provide a reader that parses the debug info generated
33652 by the JIT compiler. This section gives a brief overview on writing
33653 such a parser. More specific details can be found in the source file
33654 @file{gdb/jit-reader.in}, which is also installed as a header at
33655 @file{@var{includedir}/gdb/jit-reader.h} for easy inclusion.
33656
33657 The reader is implemented as a shared object (so this functionality is
33658 not available on platforms which don't allow loading shared objects at
33659 runtime). Two @value{GDBN} commands, @code{jit-reader-load} and
33660 @code{jit-reader-unload} are provided, to be used to load and unload
33661 the readers from a preconfigured directory. Once loaded, the shared
33662 object is used the parse the debug information emitted by the JIT
33663 compiler.
33664
33665 @menu
33666 * Using JIT Debug Info Readers:: How to use supplied readers correctly
33667 * Writing JIT Debug Info Readers:: Creating a debug-info reader
33668 @end menu
33669
33670 @node Using JIT Debug Info Readers
33671 @subsection Using JIT Debug Info Readers
33672 @kindex jit-reader-load
33673 @kindex jit-reader-unload
33674
33675 Readers can be loaded and unloaded using the @code{jit-reader-load}
33676 and @code{jit-reader-unload} commands.
33677
33678 @table @code
33679 @item jit-reader-load @var{reader}
33680 Load the JIT reader named @var{reader}, which is a shared
33681 object specified as either an absolute or a relative file name. In
33682 the latter case, @value{GDBN} will try to load the reader from a
33683 pre-configured directory, usually @file{@var{libdir}/gdb/} on a UNIX
33684 system (here @var{libdir} is the system library directory, often
33685 @file{/usr/local/lib}).
33686
33687 Only one reader can be active at a time; trying to load a second
33688 reader when one is already loaded will result in @value{GDBN}
33689 reporting an error. A new JIT reader can be loaded by first unloading
33690 the current one using @code{jit-reader-unload} and then invoking
33691 @code{jit-reader-load}.
33692
33693 @item jit-reader-unload
33694 Unload the currently loaded JIT reader.
33695
33696 @end table
33697
33698 @node Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
33699 @subsection Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
33700 @cindex writing JIT debug info readers
33701
33702 As mentioned, a reader is essentially a shared object conforming to a
33703 certain ABI. This ABI is described in @file{jit-reader.h}.
33704
33705 @file{jit-reader.h} defines the structures, macros and functions
33706 required to write a reader. It is installed (along with
33707 @value{GDBN}), in @file{@var{includedir}/gdb} where @var{includedir} is
33708 the system include directory.
33709
33710 Readers need to be released under a GPL compatible license. A reader
33711 can be declared as released under such a license by placing the macro
33712 @code{GDB_DECLARE_GPL_COMPATIBLE_READER} in a source file.
33713
33714 The entry point for readers is the symbol @code{gdb_init_reader},
33715 which is expected to be a function with the prototype
33716
33717 @findex gdb_init_reader
33718 @smallexample
33719 extern struct gdb_reader_funcs *gdb_init_reader (void);
33720 @end smallexample
33721
33722 @cindex @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs}
33723
33724 @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs} contains a set of pointers to callback
33725 functions. These functions are executed to read the debug info
33726 generated by the JIT compiler (@code{read}), to unwind stack frames
33727 (@code{unwind}) and to create canonical frame IDs
33728 (@code{get_Frame_id}). It also has a callback that is called when the
33729 reader is being unloaded (@code{destroy}). The struct looks like this
33730
33731 @smallexample
33732 struct gdb_reader_funcs
33733 @{
33734 /* Must be set to GDB_READER_INTERFACE_VERSION. */
33735 int reader_version;
33736
33737 /* For use by the reader. */
33738 void *priv_data;
33739
33740 gdb_read_debug_info *read;
33741 gdb_unwind_frame *unwind;
33742 gdb_get_frame_id *get_frame_id;
33743 gdb_destroy_reader *destroy;
33744 @};
33745 @end smallexample
33746
33747 @cindex @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks}
33748 @cindex @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}
33749
33750 The callbacks are provided with another set of callbacks by
33751 @value{GDBN} to do their job. For @code{read}, these callbacks are
33752 passed in a @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} and for @code{unwind}
33753 and @code{get_frame_id}, in a @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}.
33754 @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} has callbacks to create new object
33755 files and new symbol tables inside those object files. @code{struct
33756 gdb_unwind_callbacks} has callbacks to read registers off the current
33757 frame and to write out the values of the registers in the previous
33758 frame. Both have a callback (@code{target_read}) to read bytes off the
33759 target's address space.
33760
33761 @node In-Process Agent
33762 @chapter In-Process Agent
33763 @cindex debugging agent
33764 The traditional debugging model is conceptually low-speed, but works fine,
33765 because most bugs can be reproduced in debugging-mode execution. However,
33766 as multi-core or many-core processors are becoming mainstream, and
33767 multi-threaded programs become more and more popular, there should be more
33768 and more bugs that only manifest themselves at normal-mode execution, for
33769 example, thread races, because debugger's interference with the program's
33770 timing may conceal the bugs. On the other hand, in some applications,
33771 it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt the program's execution
33772 long enough for the developer to learn anything helpful about its behavior.
33773 If the program's correctness depends on its real-time behavior, delays
33774 introduced by a debugger might cause the program to fail, even when the
33775 code itself is correct. It is useful to be able to observe the program's
33776 behavior without interrupting it.
33777
33778 Therefore, traditional debugging model is too intrusive to reproduce
33779 some bugs. In order to reduce the interference with the program, we can
33780 reduce the number of operations performed by debugger. The
33781 @dfn{In-Process Agent}, a shared library, is running within the same
33782 process with inferior, and is able to perform some debugging operations
33783 itself. As a result, debugger is only involved when necessary, and
33784 performance of debugging can be improved accordingly. Note that
33785 interference with program can be reduced but can't be removed completely,
33786 because the in-process agent will still stop or slow down the program.
33787
33788 The in-process agent can interpret and execute Agent Expressions
33789 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) during performing debugging operations. The
33790 agent expressions can be used for different purposes, such as collecting
33791 data in tracepoints, and condition evaluation in breakpoints.
33792
33793 @anchor{Control Agent}
33794 You can control whether the in-process agent is used as an aid for
33795 debugging with the following commands:
33796
33797 @table @code
33798 @kindex set agent on
33799 @item set agent on
33800 Causes the in-process agent to perform some operations on behalf of the
33801 debugger. Just which operations requested by the user will be done
33802 by the in-process agent depends on the its capabilities. For example,
33803 if you request to evaluate breakpoint conditions in the in-process agent,
33804 and the in-process agent has such capability as well, then breakpoint
33805 conditions will be evaluated in the in-process agent.
33806
33807 @kindex set agent off
33808 @item set agent off
33809 Disables execution of debugging operations by the in-process agent. All
33810 of the operations will be performed by @value{GDBN}.
33811
33812 @kindex show agent
33813 @item show agent
33814 Display the current setting of execution of debugging operations by
33815 the in-process agent.
33816 @end table
33817
33818 @menu
33819 * In-Process Agent Protocol::
33820 @end menu
33821
33822 @node In-Process Agent Protocol
33823 @section In-Process Agent Protocol
33824 @cindex in-process agent protocol
33825
33826 The in-process agent is able to communicate with both @value{GDBN} and
33827 GDBserver (@pxref{In-Process Agent}). This section documents the protocol
33828 used for communications between @value{GDBN} or GDBserver and the IPA.
33829 In general, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver sends commands
33830 (@pxref{IPA Protocol Commands}) and data to in-process agent, and then
33831 in-process agent replies back with the return result of the command, or
33832 some other information. The data sent to in-process agent is composed
33833 of primitive data types, such as 4-byte or 8-byte type, and composite
33834 types, which are called objects (@pxref{IPA Protocol Objects}).
33835
33836 @menu
33837 * IPA Protocol Objects::
33838 * IPA Protocol Commands::
33839 @end menu
33840
33841 @node IPA Protocol Objects
33842 @subsection IPA Protocol Objects
33843 @cindex ipa protocol objects
33844
33845 The commands sent to and results received from agent may contain some
33846 complex data types called @dfn{objects}.
33847
33848 The in-process agent is running on the same machine with @value{GDBN}
33849 or GDBserver, so it doesn't have to handle as much differences between
33850 two ends as remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}) tries to handle.
33851 However, there are still some differences of two ends in two processes:
33852
33853 @enumerate
33854 @item
33855 word size. On some 64-bit machines, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver can be
33856 compiled as a 64-bit executable, while in-process agent is a 32-bit one.
33857 @item
33858 ABI. Some machines may have multiple types of ABI, @value{GDBN} or
33859 GDBserver is compiled with one, and in-process agent is compiled with
33860 the other one.
33861 @end enumerate
33862
33863 Here are the IPA Protocol Objects:
33864
33865 @enumerate
33866 @item
33867 agent expression object. It represents an agent expression
33868 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}).
33869 @anchor{agent expression object}
33870 @item
33871 tracepoint action object. It represents a tracepoint action
33872 (@pxref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}) to collect registers,
33873 memory, static trace data and to evaluate expression.
33874 @anchor{tracepoint action object}
33875 @item
33876 tracepoint object. It represents a tracepoint (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
33877 @anchor{tracepoint object}
33878
33879 @end enumerate
33880
33881 The following table describes important attributes of each IPA protocol
33882 object:
33883
33884 @multitable @columnfractions .30 .20 .50
33885 @headitem Name @tab Size @tab Description
33886 @item @emph{agent expression object} @tab @tab
33887 @item length @tab 4 @tab length of bytes code
33888 @item byte code @tab @var{length} @tab contents of byte code
33889 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting memory} @tab @tab
33890 @item 'M' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33891 @item addr @tab 8 @tab if @var{basereg} is @samp{-1}, @var{addr} is the
33892 address of the lowest byte to collect, otherwise @var{addr} is the offset
33893 of @var{basereg} for memory collecting.
33894 @item len @tab 8 @tab length of memory for collecting
33895 @item basereg @tab 4 @tab the register number containing the starting
33896 memory address for collecting.
33897 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting registers} @tab @tab
33898 @item 'R' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33899 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting static trace data} @tab @tab
33900 @item 'L' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33901 @item @emph{tracepoint action for expression evaluation} @tab @tab
33902 @item 'X' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33903 @item agent expression @tab length of @tab @ref{agent expression object}
33904 @item @emph{tracepoint object} @tab @tab
33905 @item number @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint
33906 @item address @tab 8 @tab address of tracepoint inserted on
33907 @item type @tab 4 @tab type of tracepoint
33908 @item enabled @tab 1 @tab enable or disable of tracepoint
33909 @item step_count @tab 8 @tab step
33910 @item pass_count @tab 8 @tab pass
33911 @item numactions @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint actions
33912 @item hit count @tab 8 @tab hit count
33913 @item trace frame usage @tab 8 @tab trace frame usage
33914 @item compiled_cond @tab 8 @tab compiled condition
33915 @item orig_size @tab 8 @tab orig size
33916 @item condition @tab 4 if condition is NULL otherwise length of
33917 @ref{agent expression object}
33918 @tab zero if condition is NULL, otherwise is
33919 @ref{agent expression object}
33920 @item actions @tab variable
33921 @tab numactions number of @ref{tracepoint action object}
33922 @end multitable
33923
33924 @node IPA Protocol Commands
33925 @subsection IPA Protocol Commands
33926 @cindex ipa protocol commands
33927
33928 The spaces in each command are delimiters to ease reading this commands
33929 specification. They don't exist in real commands.
33930
33931 @table @samp
33932
33933 @item FastTrace:@var{tracepoint_object} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}
33934 Installs a new fast tracepoint described by @var{tracepoint_object}
33935 (@pxref{tracepoint object}). The @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}, 8-byte long, is the
33936 head of @dfn{jumppad}, which is used to jump to data collection routine
33937 in IPA finally.
33938
33939 Replies:
33940 @table @samp
33941 @item OK @var{target_address} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} @var{fjump_size} @var{fjump}
33942 @var{target_address} is address of tracepoint in the inferior.
33943 The @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} is updated head of jumppad. Both of
33944 @var{target_address} and @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} are 8-byte long.
33945 The @var{fjump} contains a sequence of instructions jump to jumppad entry.
33946 The @var{fjump_size}, 4-byte long, is the size of @var{fjump}.
33947 @item E @var{NN}
33948 for an error
33949
33950 @end table
33951
33952 @item close
33953 Closes the in-process agent. This command is sent when @value{GDBN} or GDBserver
33954 is about to kill inferiors.
33955
33956 @item qTfSTM
33957 @xref{qTfSTM}.
33958 @item qTsSTM
33959 @xref{qTsSTM}.
33960 @item qTSTMat
33961 @xref{qTSTMat}.
33962 @item probe_marker_at:@var{address}
33963 Asks in-process agent to probe the marker at @var{address}.
33964
33965 Replies:
33966 @table @samp
33967 @item E @var{NN}
33968 for an error
33969 @end table
33970 @item unprobe_marker_at:@var{address}
33971 Asks in-process agent to unprobe the marker at @var{address}.
33972 @end table
33973
33974 @node GDB Bugs
33975 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
33976 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
33977 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
33978
33979 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
33980
33981 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
33982 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
33983 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
33984 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
33985
33986 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
33987 information that enables us to fix the bug.
33988
33989 @menu
33990 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
33991 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
33992 @end menu
33993
33994 @node Bug Criteria
33995 @section Have You Found a Bug?
33996 @cindex bug criteria
33997
33998 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
33999
34000 @itemize @bullet
34001 @cindex fatal signal
34002 @cindex debugger crash
34003 @cindex crash of debugger
34004 @item
34005 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
34006 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
34007
34008 @cindex error on valid input
34009 @item
34010 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
34011 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
34012 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
34013
34014 @cindex invalid input
34015 @item
34016 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
34017 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
34018 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
34019 for traditional practice''.
34020
34021 @item
34022 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
34023 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
34024 @end itemize
34025
34026 @node Bug Reporting
34027 @section How to Report Bugs
34028 @cindex bug reports
34029 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
34030
34031 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
34032 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
34033 contact that organization first.
34034
34035 You can find contact information for many support companies and
34036 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
34037 distribution.
34038 @c should add a web page ref...
34039
34040 @ifset BUGURL
34041 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
34042 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
34043 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
34044 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
34045 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
34046 be used.
34047
34048 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
34049 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
34050 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
34051 @samp{bug-gdb}.
34052
34053 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
34054 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
34055 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
34056 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
34057 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
34058 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
34059 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
34060 bug reports to the mailing list.
34061 @end ifset
34062 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
34063 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
34064 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
34065 @end ifclear
34066 @end ifset
34067
34068 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
34069 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
34070 fact or leave it out, state it!
34071
34072 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
34073 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
34074 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
34075 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
34076 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
34077 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
34078 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
34079 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
34080 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
34081
34082 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
34083 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
34084 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
34085 self-contained.
34086
34087 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
34088 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
34089 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
34090 bugs properly.
34091
34092 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
34093
34094 @itemize @bullet
34095 @item
34096 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
34097 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
34098 version}.
34099
34100 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
34101 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
34102
34103 @item
34104 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
34105 version number.
34106
34107 @item
34108 The details of the @value{GDBN} build-time configuration.
34109 @value{GDBN} shows these details if you invoke it with the
34110 @option{--configuration} command-line option, or if you type
34111 @code{show configuration} at @value{GDBN}'s prompt.
34112
34113 @item
34114 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
34115 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
34116
34117 @item
34118 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
34119 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
34120 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
34121 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
34122 those compilers.
34123
34124 @item
34125 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
34126 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
34127 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
34128 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
34129
34130 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
34131 and then we might not encounter the bug.
34132
34133 @item
34134 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
34135 reproduce the bug.
34136
34137 @item
34138 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
34139 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
34140
34141 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
34142 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
34143 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
34144 a chance to make a mistake.
34145
34146 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
34147 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
34148 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
34149 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
34150 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
34151 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
34152 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
34153 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
34154
34155 @pindex script
34156 @cindex recording a session script
34157 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
34158 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
34159 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
34160 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
34161
34162 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
34163 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
34164
34165 @item
34166 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
34167 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
34168 it by context, not by line number.
34169
34170 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
34171 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
34172
34173 @end itemize
34174
34175 Here are some things that are not necessary:
34176
34177 @itemize @bullet
34178 @item
34179 A description of the envelope of the bug.
34180
34181 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
34182 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
34183 changes will not affect it.
34184
34185 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
34186 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
34187 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
34188 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
34189
34190 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
34191 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
34192 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
34193 less time, and so on.
34194
34195 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
34196 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
34197
34198 @item
34199 A patch for the bug.
34200
34201 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
34202 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
34203 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
34204 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
34205
34206 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
34207 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
34208 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
34209 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
34210
34211 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
34212 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
34213 help us to understand.
34214
34215 @item
34216 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
34217
34218 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
34219 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
34220 @end itemize
34221
34222 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
34223 @c and consists of the two following files:
34224 @c rluser.texi
34225 @c hsuser.texi
34226 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
34227 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
34228 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
34229 @include rluser.texi
34230 @include hsuser.texi
34231 @end ifclear
34232
34233 @node In Memoriam
34234 @appendix In Memoriam
34235
34236 The @value{GDBN} project mourns the loss of the following long-time
34237 contributors:
34238
34239 @table @code
34240 @item Fred Fish
34241 Fred was a long-standing contributor to @value{GDBN} (1991-2006), and
34242 to Free Software in general. Outside of @value{GDBN}, he was known in
34243 the Amiga world for his series of Fish Disks, and the GeekGadget project.
34244
34245 @item Michael Snyder
34246 Michael was one of the Global Maintainers of the @value{GDBN} project,
34247 with contributions recorded as early as 1996, until 2011. In addition
34248 to his day to day participation, he was a large driving force behind
34249 adding Reverse Debugging to @value{GDBN}.
34250 @end table
34251
34252 Beyond their technical contributions to the project, they were also
34253 enjoyable members of the Free Software Community. We will miss them.
34254
34255 @node Formatting Documentation
34256 @appendix Formatting Documentation
34257
34258 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
34259 @cindex reference card
34260 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
34261 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
34262 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
34263 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
34264 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
34265 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
34266
34267 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
34268 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
34269
34270 @smallexample
34271 make refcard.dvi
34272 @end smallexample
34273
34274 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
34275 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
34276 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
34277 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
34278 your @sc{dvi} output program.
34279
34280 @cindex documentation
34281
34282 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
34283 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
34284 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
34285 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
34286 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
34287 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
34288
34289 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
34290 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
34291 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
34292 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
34293 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
34294 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
34295 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
34296 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
34297
34298 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
34299 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
34300 @code{makeinfo}.
34301
34302 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
34303 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
34304 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
34305
34306 @smallexample
34307 cd gdb
34308 make gdb.info
34309 @end smallexample
34310
34311 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
34312 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
34313 Texinfo definitions file.
34314
34315 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
34316 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
34317 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
34318 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
34319 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
34320 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
34321 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
34322
34323 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
34324 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
34325 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
34326 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
34327 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
34328 directory.
34329
34330 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
34331 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
34332 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
34333 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
34334
34335 @smallexample
34336 make gdb.dvi
34337 @end smallexample
34338
34339 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
34340
34341 @node Installing GDB
34342 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
34343 @cindex installation
34344
34345 @menu
34346 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
34347 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
34348 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
34349 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
34350 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
34351 * System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
34352 @end menu
34353
34354 @node Requirements
34355 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
34356 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
34357
34358 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
34359 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
34360
34361 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
34362 @table @asis
34363 @item ISO C90 compiler
34364 @value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
34365 working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
34366
34367 @end table
34368
34369 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
34370 @table @asis
34371 @item Expat
34372 @anchor{Expat}
34373 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
34374 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
34375 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
34376 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
34377 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
34378 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
34379
34380 Expat is used for:
34381
34382 @itemize @bullet
34383 @item
34384 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
34385 @item
34386 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
34387 @item
34388 Remote shared library lists (@xref{Library List Format},
34389 or alternatively @pxref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets})
34390 @item
34391 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
34392 @item
34393 Traceframe info (@pxref{Traceframe Info Format})
34394 @item
34395 Branch trace (@pxref{Branch Trace Format},
34396 @pxref{Branch Trace Configuration Format})
34397 @end itemize
34398
34399 @item MPFR
34400 @anchor{MPFR}
34401 @value{GDBN} can use the GNU MPFR multiple-precision floating-point
34402 library. This library may be included with your operating system
34403 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
34404 @url{http://www.mpfr.org}. The @file{configure} script will search
34405 for this library in several standard locations; if it is installed
34406 in an unusual path, you can use the @option{--with-libmpfr-prefix}
34407 option to specify its location.
34408
34409 GNU MPFR is used to emulate target floating-point arithmetic during
34410 expression evaluation when the target uses different floating-point
34411 formats than the host. If GNU MPFR it is not available, @value{GDBN}
34412 will fall back to using host floating-point arithmetic.
34413
34414 @item zlib
34415 @cindex compressed debug sections
34416 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
34417 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
34418 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
34419 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
34420 information in such binaries.
34421
34422 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
34423 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
34424 @url{http://zlib.net}.
34425
34426 @item iconv
34427 @value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
34428 Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
34429 on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
34430 other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
34431
34432 If @value{GDBN} is using the @code{iconv} program which is installed
34433 in a non-standard place, you will need to tell @value{GDBN} where to find it.
34434 This is done with @option{--with-iconv-bin} which specifies the
34435 directory that contains the @code{iconv} program.
34436
34437 On systems without @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If you
34438 have previously installed Libiconv, you can use the
34439 @option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to configure.
34440
34441 @value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
34442 arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
34443 in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
34444 if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
34445 implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
34446 by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
34447 Libiconv, unpack it, and then rename the directory holding the
34448 Libiconv source code to @samp{libiconv}.
34449 @end table
34450
34451 @node Running Configure
34452 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
34453 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
34454 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
34455 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
34456 build the @code{gdb} program.
34457 @iftex
34458 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
34459 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
34460 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
34461 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
34462 @end iftex
34463
34464 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
34465 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
34466 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
34467
34468 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
34469 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
34470
34471 @table @code
34472 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
34473 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
34474
34475 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
34476 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
34477
34478 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
34479 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
34480
34481 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
34482 @sc{gnu} include files
34483
34484 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
34485 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
34486
34487 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
34488 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
34489
34490 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
34491 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
34492
34493 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
34494 source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
34495
34496 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
34497 source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
34498 @end table
34499
34500 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
34501 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
34502 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
34503
34504 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
34505 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
34506 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
34507 argument.
34508
34509 For example:
34510
34511 @smallexample
34512 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
34513 ./configure @var{host}
34514 make
34515 @end smallexample
34516
34517 @noindent
34518 where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
34519 @samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
34520 (You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
34521 correct value by examining your system.)
34522
34523 Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
34524 @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
34525 libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
34526 binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
34527
34528 @need 750
34529 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
34530 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
34531 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
34532
34533 @smallexample
34534 sh configure @var{host}
34535 @end smallexample
34536
34537 If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
34538 directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
34539 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
34540 @file{configure}
34541 creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
34542 you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
34543
34544 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
34545 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
34546 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
34547 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
34548 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
34549 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
34550 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
34551 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
34552 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
34553
34554 You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
34555 However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
34556 the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
34557 that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
34558 let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
34559
34560 @node Separate Objdir
34561 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
34562
34563 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
34564 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
34565 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
34566 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
34567 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
34568 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
34569 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
34570 program specified there.
34571
34572 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
34573 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
34574 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
34575 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
34576 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
34577 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
34578
34579 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
34580 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
34581
34582 @smallexample
34583 @group
34584 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
34585 mkdir ../gdb-sun4
34586 cd ../gdb-sun4
34587 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
34588 make
34589 @end group
34590 @end smallexample
34591
34592 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
34593 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
34594 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
34595 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
34596 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
34597 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
34598
34599 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
34600 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
34601 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
34602 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
34603 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
34604
34605 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
34606 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
34607 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
34608 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
34609 You specify a cross-debugging target by
34610 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
34611
34612 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
34613 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
34614 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
34615
34616 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
34617 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
34618 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
34619 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
34620 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
34621
34622 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
34623 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
34624 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
34625 with each other.
34626
34627 @node Config Names
34628 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
34629
34630 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
34631 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
34632 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
34633 of information in the following pattern:
34634
34635 @smallexample
34636 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
34637 @end smallexample
34638
34639 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
34640 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
34641 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
34642
34643 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
34644 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
34645 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
34646 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
34647 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
34648 abbreviations---for example:
34649
34650 @smallexample
34651 % sh config.sub i386-linux
34652 i386-pc-linux-gnu
34653 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
34654 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
34655 % sh config.sub hp9k700
34656 hppa1.1-hp-hpux
34657 % sh config.sub sun4
34658 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
34659 % sh config.sub sun3
34660 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
34661 % sh config.sub i986v
34662 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
34663 @end smallexample
34664
34665 @noindent
34666 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
34667 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
34668
34669 @node Configure Options
34670 @section @file{configure} Options
34671
34672 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
34673 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
34674 several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
34675 Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
34676
34677 @smallexample
34678 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
34679 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
34680 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
34681 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
34682 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
34683 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
34684 @var{host}
34685 @end smallexample
34686
34687 @noindent
34688 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
34689 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
34690 @samp{--}.
34691
34692 @table @code
34693 @item --help
34694 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
34695
34696 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
34697 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
34698 @file{@var{dir}}.
34699
34700 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
34701 Configure the source to install programs under directory
34702 @file{@var{dir}}.
34703
34704 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
34705 @need 2000
34706 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
34707 @strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
34708 @code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
34709 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
34710 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
34711 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
34712 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
34713 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
34714 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
34715 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
34716 @var{dirname}.
34717
34718 @item --norecursion
34719 Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
34720 propagate configuration to subdirectories.
34721
34722 @item --target=@var{target}
34723 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
34724 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
34725 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
34726
34727 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
34728
34729 @item @var{host} @dots{}
34730 Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
34731
34732 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
34733 @end table
34734
34735 There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
34736 needed for special purposes only.
34737
34738 @node System-wide configuration
34739 @section System-wide configuration and settings
34740 @cindex system-wide init file
34741
34742 @value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
34743 this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
34744 @value{GDBN} does during startup}).
34745
34746 Here is the corresponding configure option:
34747
34748 @table @code
34749 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
34750 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
34751 @var{file}.
34752 @end table
34753
34754 If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
34755 it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
34756
34757 @itemize @bullet
34758 @item
34759 If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
34760 it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
34761 are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
34762 if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
34763 init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
34764 @file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
34765
34766 @item
34767 By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
34768 it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
34769 @option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
34770 then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
34771 wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
34772 @end itemize
34773
34774 If the configured location of the system-wide init file (as given by the
34775 @option{--with-system-gdbinit} option at configure time) is in the
34776 data-directory (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure
34777 time) or in one of its subdirectories, then @value{GDBN} will look for the
34778 system-wide init file in the directory specified by the
34779 @option{--data-directory} command-line option.
34780 Note that the system-wide init file is only read once, during @value{GDBN}
34781 initialization. If the data-directory is changed after @value{GDBN} has
34782 started with the @code{set data-directory} command, the file will not be
34783 reread.
34784
34785 @menu
34786 * System-wide Configuration Scripts:: Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
34787 @end menu
34788
34789 @node System-wide Configuration Scripts
34790 @subsection Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
34791 @cindex system-wide configuration scripts
34792
34793 The @file{system-gdbinit} directory, located inside the data-directory
34794 (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure time) contains
34795 a number of scripts which can be used as system-wide init files. To
34796 automatically source those scripts at startup, @value{GDBN} should be
34797 configured with @option{--with-system-gdbinit}. Otherwise, any user
34798 should be able to source them by hand as needed.
34799
34800 The following scripts are currently available:
34801 @itemize @bullet
34802
34803 @item @file{elinos.py}
34804 @pindex elinos.py
34805 @cindex ELinOS system-wide configuration script
34806 This script is useful when debugging a program on an ELinOS target.
34807 It takes advantage of the environment variables defined in a standard
34808 ELinOS environment in order to determine the location of the system
34809 shared libraries, and then sets the @samp{solib-absolute-prefix}
34810 and @samp{solib-search-path} variables appropriately.
34811
34812 @item @file{wrs-linux.py}
34813 @pindex wrs-linux.py
34814 @cindex Wind River Linux system-wide configuration script
34815 This script is useful when debugging a program on a target running
34816 Wind River Linux. It expects the @env{ENV_PREFIX} to be set to
34817 the host-side sysroot used by the target system.
34818
34819 @end itemize
34820
34821 @node Maintenance Commands
34822 @appendix Maintenance Commands
34823 @cindex maintenance commands
34824 @cindex internal commands
34825
34826 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
34827 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
34828 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
34829 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
34830 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
34831
34832 @table @code
34833 @kindex maint agent
34834 @kindex maint agent-eval
34835 @item maint agent @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
34836 @itemx maint agent-eval @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
34837 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
34838 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
34839 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}). The @samp{agent} version produces an
34840 expression useful for data collection, such as by tracepoints, while
34841 @samp{maint agent-eval} produces an expression that evaluates directly
34842 to a result. For instance, a collection expression for @code{globa +
34843 globb} will include bytecodes to record four bytes of memory at each
34844 of the addresses of @code{globa} and @code{globb}, while discarding
34845 the result of the addition, while an evaluation expression will do the
34846 addition and return the sum.
34847 If @code{-at} is given, generate remote agent bytecode for @var{location}.
34848 If not, generate remote agent bytecode for current frame PC address.
34849
34850 @kindex maint agent-printf
34851 @item maint agent-printf @var{format},@var{expr},...
34852 Translate the given format string and list of argument expressions
34853 into remote agent bytecodes and display them as a disassembled list.
34854 This command is useful for debugging the agent version of dynamic
34855 printf (@pxref{Dynamic Printf}).
34856
34857 @kindex maint info breakpoints
34858 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
34859 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
34860 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
34861 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
34862 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
34863 is shown:
34864
34865 @table @code
34866 @item breakpoint
34867 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
34868
34869 @item watchpoint
34870 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
34871
34872 @item longjmp
34873 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
34874 @code{longjmp} calls.
34875
34876 @item longjmp resume
34877 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
34878
34879 @item until
34880 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
34881
34882 @item finish
34883 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
34884
34885 @item shlib events
34886 Shared library events.
34887
34888 @end table
34889
34890 @kindex maint info btrace
34891 @item maint info btrace
34892 Pint information about raw branch tracing data.
34893
34894 @kindex maint btrace packet-history
34895 @item maint btrace packet-history
34896 Print the raw branch trace packets that are used to compute the
34897 execution history for the @samp{record btrace} command. Both the
34898 information and the format in which it is printed depend on the btrace
34899 recording format.
34900
34901 @table @code
34902 @item bts
34903 For the BTS recording format, print a list of blocks of sequential
34904 code. For each block, the following information is printed:
34905
34906 @table @asis
34907 @item Block number
34908 Newer blocks have higher numbers. The oldest block has number zero.
34909 @item Lowest @samp{PC}
34910 @item Highest @samp{PC}
34911 @end table
34912
34913 @item pt
34914 For the Intel Processor Trace recording format, print a list of
34915 Intel Processor Trace packets. For each packet, the following
34916 information is printed:
34917
34918 @table @asis
34919 @item Packet number
34920 Newer packets have higher numbers. The oldest packet has number zero.
34921 @item Trace offset
34922 The packet's offset in the trace stream.
34923 @item Packet opcode and payload
34924 @end table
34925 @end table
34926
34927 @kindex maint btrace clear-packet-history
34928 @item maint btrace clear-packet-history
34929 Discards the cached packet history printed by the @samp{maint btrace
34930 packet-history} command. The history will be computed again when
34931 needed.
34932
34933 @kindex maint btrace clear
34934 @item maint btrace clear
34935 Discard the branch trace data. The data will be fetched anew and the
34936 branch trace will be recomputed when needed.
34937
34938 This implicitly truncates the branch trace to a single branch trace
34939 buffer. When updating branch trace incrementally, the branch trace
34940 available to @value{GDBN} may be bigger than a single branch trace
34941 buffer.
34942
34943 @kindex maint set btrace pt skip-pad
34944 @item maint set btrace pt skip-pad
34945 @kindex maint show btrace pt skip-pad
34946 @item maint show btrace pt skip-pad
34947 Control whether @value{GDBN} will skip PAD packets when computing the
34948 packet history.
34949
34950 @kindex set displaced-stepping
34951 @kindex show displaced-stepping
34952 @cindex displaced stepping support
34953 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
34954 @item set displaced-stepping
34955 @itemx show displaced-stepping
34956 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
34957 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
34958 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
34959 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
34960 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
34961
34962 @table @code
34963 @item set displaced-stepping on
34964 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
34965 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
34966
34967 @item set displaced-stepping off
34968 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
34969 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
34970
34971 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
34972 @item set displaced-stepping auto
34973 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
34974 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
34975 architecture supports displaced stepping.
34976 @end table
34977
34978 @kindex maint check-psymtabs
34979 @item maint check-psymtabs
34980 Check the consistency of currently expanded psymtabs versus symtabs.
34981 Use this to check, for example, whether a symbol is in one but not the other.
34982
34983 @kindex maint check-symtabs
34984 @item maint check-symtabs
34985 Check the consistency of currently expanded symtabs.
34986
34987 @kindex maint expand-symtabs
34988 @item maint expand-symtabs [@var{regexp}]
34989 Expand symbol tables.
34990 If @var{regexp} is specified, only expand symbol tables for file
34991 names matching @var{regexp}.
34992
34993 @kindex maint set catch-demangler-crashes
34994 @kindex maint show catch-demangler-crashes
34995 @cindex demangler crashes
34996 @item maint set catch-demangler-crashes [on|off]
34997 @itemx maint show catch-demangler-crashes
34998 Control whether @value{GDBN} should attempt to catch crashes in the
34999 symbol name demangler. The default is to attempt to catch crashes.
35000 If enabled, the first time a crash is caught, a core file is created,
35001 the offending symbol is displayed and the user is presented with the
35002 option to terminate the current session.
35003
35004 @kindex maint cplus first_component
35005 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
35006 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
35007
35008 @kindex maint cplus namespace
35009 @item maint cplus namespace
35010 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
35011
35012 @kindex maint deprecate
35013 @kindex maint undeprecate
35014 @cindex deprecated commands
35015 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
35016 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
35017 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
35018 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
35019 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
35020 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
35021 the replacement as part of the warning.
35022
35023 @kindex maint dump-me
35024 @item maint dump-me
35025 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
35026 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
35027 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
35028 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
35029
35030 @kindex maint internal-error
35031 @kindex maint internal-warning
35032 @kindex maint demangler-warning
35033 @cindex demangler crashes
35034 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
35035 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
35036 @itemx maint demangler-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
35037
35038 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error},
35039 @code{internal_warning} or @code{demangler_warning} and hence behave
35040 as though an internal problem has been detected. In addition to
35041 reporting the internal problem, these functions give the user the
35042 opportunity to either quit @value{GDBN} or (for @code{internal_error}
35043 and @code{internal_warning}) create a core file of the current
35044 @value{GDBN} session.
35045
35046 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
35047 used as the text of the error or warning message.
35048
35049 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
35050
35051 @smallexample
35052 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
35053 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
35054 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
35055 debugging may prove unreliable.
35056 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
35057 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
35058 (@value{GDBP})
35059 @end smallexample
35060
35061 @cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
35062 @cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
35063 @cindex demangler crashes
35064
35065 @kindex maint set internal-error
35066 @kindex maint show internal-error
35067 @kindex maint set internal-warning
35068 @kindex maint show internal-warning
35069 @kindex maint set demangler-warning
35070 @kindex maint show demangler-warning
35071 @item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
35072 @itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
35073 @itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
35074 @itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
35075 @itemx maint set demangler-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
35076 @itemx maint show demangler-warning @var{action}
35077 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
35078 gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
35079 core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
35080 override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
35081 described in the table below.
35082
35083 @table @samp
35084 @item quit
35085 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
35086 quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
35087
35088 @item corefile
35089 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
35090 create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do. Note
35091 that there is no @code{corefile} option for @code{demangler-warning}:
35092 demangler warnings always create a core file and this cannot be
35093 disabled.
35094 @end table
35095
35096 @kindex maint packet
35097 @item maint packet @var{text}
35098 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
35099 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
35100 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
35101 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
35102 checksum.
35103
35104 @kindex maint print architecture
35105 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35106 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
35107 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
35108
35109 @kindex maint print c-tdesc @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35110 @item maint print c-tdesc
35111 Print the target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
35112 a C source file. By default, the target description is for the current
35113 target, but if the optional argument @var{file} is provided, that file
35114 is used to produce the description. The @var{file} should be an XML
35115 document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description Format}.
35116 The created source file is built into @value{GDBN} when @value{GDBN} is
35117 built again. This command is used by developers after they add or
35118 modify XML target descriptions.
35119
35120 @kindex maint check xml-descriptions
35121 @item maint check xml-descriptions @var{dir}
35122 Check that the target descriptions dynamically created by @value{GDBN}
35123 equal the descriptions created from XML files found in @var{dir}.
35124
35125 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
35126 @item maint print dummy-frames
35127 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
35128
35129 @smallexample
35130 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
35131 @dots{}
35132 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
35133 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
35134 58 return (a + b);
35135 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
35136 @dots{}
35137 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
35138 0xa8206d8: id=@{stack=0xbfffe734,code=0xbfffe73f,!special@}, ptid=process 9353
35139 (@value{GDBP})
35140 @end smallexample
35141
35142 Takes an optional file parameter.
35143
35144 @kindex maint print registers
35145 @kindex maint print raw-registers
35146 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
35147 @kindex maint print register-groups
35148 @kindex maint print remote-registers
35149 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35150 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35151 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35152 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35153 @itemx maint print remote-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35154 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
35155
35156 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
35157 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print
35158 cooked-registers} includes the (cooked) value of all registers,
35159 including registers which aren't available on the target nor visible
35160 to user; the command @code{maint print register-groups} includes the
35161 groups that each register is a member of; and the command @code{maint
35162 print remote-registers} includes the remote target's register numbers
35163 and offsets in the `G' packets.
35164
35165 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
35166 write the information.
35167
35168 @kindex maint print reggroups
35169 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35170 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
35171 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
35172 information.
35173
35174 The register groups info looks like this:
35175
35176 @smallexample
35177 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
35178 Group Type
35179 general user
35180 float user
35181 all user
35182 vector user
35183 system user
35184 save internal
35185 restore internal
35186 @end smallexample
35187
35188 @kindex flushregs
35189 @item flushregs
35190 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
35191
35192 @kindex maint print objfiles
35193 @cindex info for known object files
35194 @item maint print objfiles @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
35195 Print a dump of all known object files.
35196 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print object files whose names
35197 match @var{regexp}. For each object file, this command prints its name,
35198 address in memory, and all of its psymtabs and symtabs.
35199
35200 @kindex maint print user-registers
35201 @cindex user registers
35202 @item maint print user-registers
35203 List all currently available @dfn{user registers}. User registers
35204 typically provide alternate names for actual hardware registers. They
35205 include the four ``standard'' registers @code{$fp}, @code{$pc},
35206 @code{$sp}, and @code{$ps}. @xref{standard registers}. User
35207 registers can be used in expressions in the same way as the canonical
35208 register names, but only the latter are listed by the @code{info
35209 registers} and @code{maint print registers} commands.
35210
35211 @kindex maint print section-scripts
35212 @cindex info for known .debug_gdb_scripts-loaded scripts
35213 @item maint print section-scripts [@var{regexp}]
35214 Print a dump of scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_section} section.
35215 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print scripts loaded by object files
35216 matching @var{regexp}.
35217 For each script, this command prints its name as specified in the objfile,
35218 and the full path if known.
35219 @xref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}.
35220
35221 @kindex maint print statistics
35222 @cindex bcache statistics
35223 @item maint print statistics
35224 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
35225 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
35226 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
35227 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
35228 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
35229 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
35230 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
35231 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
35232 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
35233 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
35234 lengths.
35235
35236 @kindex maint print target-stack
35237 @cindex target stack description
35238 @item maint print target-stack
35239 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
35240 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
35241 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
35242 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
35243 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
35244 address.
35245
35246 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
35247 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
35248
35249 @kindex maint print type
35250 @cindex type chain of a data type
35251 @item maint print type @var{expr}
35252 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
35253 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
35254 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
35255 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
35256 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
35257
35258 @kindex maint selftest
35259 @cindex self tests
35260 @item maint selftest @r{[}@var{filter}@r{]}
35261 Run any self tests that were compiled in to @value{GDBN}. This will
35262 print a message showing how many tests were run, and how many failed.
35263 If a @var{filter} is passed, only the tests with @var{filter} in their
35264 name will by ran.
35265
35266 @kindex "maint info selftests"
35267 @cindex self tests
35268 @item maint info selftests
35269 List the selftests compiled in to @value{GDBN}.
35270
35271 @kindex maint set dwarf always-disassemble
35272 @kindex maint show dwarf always-disassemble
35273 @item maint set dwarf always-disassemble
35274 @item maint show dwarf always-disassemble
35275 Control the behavior of @code{info address} when using DWARF debugging
35276 information.
35277
35278 The default is @code{off}, which means that @value{GDBN} should try to
35279 describe a variable's location in an easily readable format. When
35280 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will instead display the DWARF location
35281 expression in an assembly-like format. Note that some locations are
35282 too complex for @value{GDBN} to describe simply; in this case you will
35283 always see the disassembly form.
35284
35285 Here is an example of the resulting disassembly:
35286
35287 @smallexample
35288 (gdb) info addr argc
35289 Symbol "argc" is a complex DWARF expression:
35290 1: DW_OP_fbreg 0
35291 @end smallexample
35292
35293 For more information on these expressions, see
35294 @uref{http://www.dwarfstd.org/, the DWARF standard}.
35295
35296 @kindex maint set dwarf max-cache-age
35297 @kindex maint show dwarf max-cache-age
35298 @item maint set dwarf max-cache-age
35299 @itemx maint show dwarf max-cache-age
35300 Control the DWARF compilation unit cache.
35301
35302 @cindex DWARF compilation units cache
35303 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
35304 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF
35305 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
35306 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
35307 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
35308 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
35309 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
35310 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
35311
35312 @kindex maint set profile
35313 @kindex maint show profile
35314 @cindex profiling GDB
35315 @item maint set profile
35316 @itemx maint show profile
35317 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
35318
35319 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
35320 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
35321 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
35322 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
35323 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
35324 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
35325 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
35326
35327 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
35328 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
35329
35330 @kindex maint set show-debug-regs
35331 @kindex maint show show-debug-regs
35332 @cindex hardware debug registers
35333 @item maint set show-debug-regs
35334 @itemx maint show show-debug-regs
35335 Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
35336 registers. Use @code{on} to enable, @code{off} to disable. If
35337 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
35338 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
35339 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
35340
35341 @kindex maint set show-all-tib
35342 @kindex maint show show-all-tib
35343 @item maint set show-all-tib
35344 @itemx maint show show-all-tib
35345 Control whether to show all non zero areas within a 1k block starting
35346 at thread local base, when using the @samp{info w32 thread-information-block}
35347 command.
35348
35349 @kindex maint set target-async
35350 @kindex maint show target-async
35351 @item maint set target-async
35352 @itemx maint show target-async
35353 This controls whether @value{GDBN} targets operate in synchronous or
35354 asynchronous mode (@pxref{Background Execution}). Normally the
35355 default is asynchronous, if it is available; but this can be changed
35356 to more easily debug problems occurring only in synchronous mode.
35357
35358 @kindex maint set target-non-stop @var{mode} [on|off|auto]
35359 @kindex maint show target-non-stop
35360 @item maint set target-non-stop
35361 @itemx maint show target-non-stop
35362
35363 This controls whether @value{GDBN} targets always operate in non-stop
35364 mode even if @code{set non-stop} is @code{off} (@pxref{Non-Stop
35365 Mode}). The default is @code{auto}, meaning non-stop mode is enabled
35366 if supported by the target.
35367
35368 @table @code
35369 @item maint set target-non-stop auto
35370 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} controls the target in
35371 non-stop mode if the target supports it.
35372
35373 @item maint set target-non-stop on
35374 @value{GDBN} controls the target in non-stop mode even if the target
35375 does not indicate support.
35376
35377 @item maint set target-non-stop off
35378 @value{GDBN} does not control the target in non-stop mode even if the
35379 target supports it.
35380 @end table
35381
35382 @kindex maint set per-command
35383 @kindex maint show per-command
35384 @item maint set per-command
35385 @itemx maint show per-command
35386 @cindex resources used by commands
35387
35388 @value{GDBN} can display the resources used by each command.
35389 This is useful in debugging performance problems.
35390
35391 @table @code
35392 @item maint set per-command space [on|off]
35393 @itemx maint show per-command space
35394 Enable or disable the printing of the memory used by GDB for each command.
35395 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
35396 took, following the command's own output.
35397 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
35398 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
35399
35400 @item maint set per-command time [on|off]
35401 @itemx maint show per-command time
35402 Enable or disable the printing of the execution time of @value{GDBN}
35403 for each command.
35404 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
35405 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
35406 Both CPU time and wallclock time are printed.
35407 Printing both is useful when trying to determine whether the cost is
35408 CPU or, e.g., disk/network latency.
35409 Note that the CPU time printed is for @value{GDBN} only, it does not include
35410 the execution time of the inferior because there's no mechanism currently
35411 to compute how much time was spent by @value{GDBN} and how much time was
35412 spent by the program been debugged.
35413 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
35414 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
35415
35416 @item maint set per-command symtab [on|off]
35417 @itemx maint show per-command symtab
35418 Enable or disable the printing of basic symbol table statistics
35419 for each command.
35420 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display the following information:
35421
35422 @enumerate a
35423 @item
35424 number of symbol tables
35425 @item
35426 number of primary symbol tables
35427 @item
35428 number of blocks in the blockvector
35429 @end enumerate
35430 @end table
35431
35432 @kindex maint space
35433 @cindex memory used by commands
35434 @item maint space @var{value}
35435 An alias for @code{maint set per-command space}.
35436 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
35437
35438 @kindex maint time
35439 @cindex time of command execution
35440 @item maint time @var{value}
35441 An alias for @code{maint set per-command time}.
35442 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
35443
35444 @kindex maint translate-address
35445 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
35446 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
35447 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
35448 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
35449 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
35450 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
35451 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
35452
35453 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
35454 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
35455 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
35456
35457 @end table
35458
35459 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
35460 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
35461
35462 @table @code
35463 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
35464 @kindex set watchdog
35465 @cindex watchdog timer
35466 @cindex timeout for commands
35467 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
35468 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
35469 reports and error and the command is aborted.
35470
35471 @item show watchdog
35472 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
35473 @end table
35474
35475 @node Remote Protocol
35476 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
35477
35478 @menu
35479 * Overview::
35480 * Packets::
35481 * Stop Reply Packets::
35482 * General Query Packets::
35483 * Architecture-Specific Protocol Details::
35484 * Tracepoint Packets::
35485 * Host I/O Packets::
35486 * Interrupts::
35487 * Notification Packets::
35488 * Remote Non-Stop::
35489 * Packet Acknowledgment::
35490 * Examples::
35491 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
35492 * Library List Format::
35493 * Library List Format for SVR4 Targets::
35494 * Memory Map Format::
35495 * Thread List Format::
35496 * Traceframe Info Format::
35497 * Branch Trace Format::
35498 * Branch Trace Configuration Format::
35499 @end menu
35500
35501 @node Overview
35502 @section Overview
35503
35504 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
35505 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
35506 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
35507 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
35508
35509 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
35510 transmitted and received data, respectively.
35511
35512 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
35513 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
35514 @cindex remote serial protocol
35515 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
35516 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
35517 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
35518 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
35519 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
35520
35521 @smallexample
35522 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
35523 @end smallexample
35524 @noindent
35525
35526 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
35527 @noindent
35528 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
35529 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
35530 eight bit unsigned checksum).
35531
35532 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
35533 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
35534
35535 @smallexample
35536 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
35537 @end smallexample
35538
35539 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
35540 @noindent
35541 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
35542 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
35543 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
35544
35545 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
35546 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
35547 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
35548 retransmission):
35549
35550 @smallexample
35551 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
35552 <- @code{+}
35553 @end smallexample
35554 @noindent
35555
35556 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
35557 once a connection is established.
35558 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
35559
35560 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
35561 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
35562 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
35563 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
35564 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
35565 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
35566 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
35567
35568 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
35569 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
35570 exceptions).
35571
35572 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
35573 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
35574 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
35575 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
35576
35577 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
35578 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
35579 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
35580
35581 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
35582 @anchor{Binary Data}
35583 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
35584 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
35585 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
35586 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
35587 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
35588 binary data.
35589
35590 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
35591 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
35592 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
35593 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
35594 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
35595 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
35596 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
35597 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
35598 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
35599 (described next).
35600
35601 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
35602 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
35603 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
35604 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
35605 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
35606 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
35607 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
35608 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
35609 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
35610 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
35611 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
35612 3}} more times.
35613
35614 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
35615 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
35616 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
35617 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
35618 @samp{0*"00}.
35619
35620 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
35621 error number. That number is not well defined.
35622
35623 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
35624 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
35625 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
35626 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
35627 on that response.
35628
35629 At a minimum, a stub is required to support the @samp{g} and @samp{G}
35630 commands for register access, and the @samp{m} and @samp{M} commands
35631 for memory access. Stubs that only control single-threaded targets
35632 can implement run control with the @samp{c} (continue), and @samp{s}
35633 (step) commands. Stubs that support multi-threading targets should
35634 support the @samp{vCont} command. All other commands are optional.
35635
35636 @node Packets
35637 @section Packets
35638
35639 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
35640 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
35641 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
35642 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
35643
35644 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
35645 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
35646 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
35647 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
35648 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
35649 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
35650 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
35651 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
35652 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
35653 @var{baz}.
35654
35655 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
35656 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
35657 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
35658 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
35659 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
35660 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
35661 pick any thread.
35662
35663 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
35664 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
35665 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
35666 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
35667 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
35668 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
35669 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
35670 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
35671 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
35672 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
35673 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
35674 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
35675 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
35676
35677 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
35678 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
35679 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
35680 more information.
35681
35682 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
35683 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
35684
35685 Here are the packet descriptions.
35686
35687 @table @samp
35688
35689 @item !
35690 @cindex @samp{!} packet
35691 @anchor{extended mode}
35692 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
35693 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
35694 debugged.
35695
35696 Reply:
35697 @table @samp
35698 @item OK
35699 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
35700 @end table
35701
35702 @item ?
35703 @cindex @samp{?} packet
35704 @anchor{? packet}
35705 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
35706 step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
35707 target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
35708
35709 Reply:
35710 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35711
35712 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
35713 @cindex @samp{A} packet
35714 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
35715 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
35716 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
35717
35718 Reply:
35719 @table @samp
35720 @item OK
35721 The arguments were set.
35722 @item E @var{NN}
35723 An error occurred.
35724 @end table
35725
35726 @item b @var{baud}
35727 @cindex @samp{b} packet
35728 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
35729 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
35730
35731 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
35732 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
35733 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
35734
35735 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
35736 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
35737 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
35738 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
35739 of view, nothing actually happened.}
35740
35741 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
35742 @cindex @samp{B} packet
35743 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
35744 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
35745
35746 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
35747 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
35748
35749 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
35750 @anchor{bc}
35751 @item bc
35752 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
35753 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
35754
35755 Reply:
35756 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35757
35758 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
35759 @anchor{bs}
35760 @item bs
35761 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
35762 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
35763
35764 Reply:
35765 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35766
35767 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
35768 @cindex @samp{c} packet
35769 Continue at @var{addr}, which is the address to resume. If @var{addr}
35770 is omitted, resume at current address.
35771
35772 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35773 packet}.
35774
35775 Reply:
35776 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35777
35778 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
35779 @cindex @samp{C} packet
35780 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
35781 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
35782
35783 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35784 packet}.
35785
35786 Reply:
35787 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35788
35789 @item d
35790 @cindex @samp{d} packet
35791 Toggle debug flag.
35792
35793 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
35794 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
35795
35796 @item D
35797 @itemx D;@var{pid}
35798 @cindex @samp{D} packet
35799 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
35800 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
35801 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
35802
35803 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
35804 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
35805 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
35806 big-endian hex string.
35807
35808 Reply:
35809 @table @samp
35810 @item OK
35811 for success
35812 @item E @var{NN}
35813 for an error
35814 @end table
35815
35816 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
35817 @cindex @samp{F} packet
35818 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
35819 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
35820 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
35821
35822 @item g
35823 @anchor{read registers packet}
35824 @cindex @samp{g} packet
35825 Read general registers.
35826
35827 Reply:
35828 @table @samp
35829 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
35830 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
35831 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
35832 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
35833 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
35834 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}.
35835
35836 When reading registers from a trace frame (@pxref{Analyze Collected
35837 Data,,Using the Collected Data}), the stub may also return a string of
35838 literal @samp{x}'s in place of the register data digits, to indicate
35839 that the corresponding register has not been collected, thus its value
35840 is unavailable. For example, for an architecture with 4 registers of
35841 4 bytes each, the following reply indicates to @value{GDBN} that
35842 registers 0 and 2 have not been collected, while registers 1 and 3
35843 have been collected, and both have zero value:
35844
35845 @smallexample
35846 -> @code{g}
35847 <- @code{xxxxxxxx00000000xxxxxxxx00000000}
35848 @end smallexample
35849
35850 @item E @var{NN}
35851 for an error.
35852 @end table
35853
35854 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
35855 @cindex @samp{G} packet
35856 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
35857 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
35858
35859 Reply:
35860 @table @samp
35861 @item OK
35862 for success
35863 @item E @var{NN}
35864 for an error
35865 @end table
35866
35867 @item H @var{op} @var{thread-id}
35868 @cindex @samp{H} packet
35869 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
35870 @samp{G}, et.al.). Depending on the operation to be performed, @var{op}
35871 should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations (note that this
35872 is deprecated, supporting the @samp{vCont} command is a better
35873 option), and @samp{g} for other operations. The thread designator
35874 @var{thread-id} has the format and interpretation described in
35875 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
35876
35877 Reply:
35878 @table @samp
35879 @item OK
35880 for success
35881 @item E @var{NN}
35882 for an error
35883 @end table
35884
35885 @c FIXME: JTC:
35886 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
35887 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
35888 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
35889 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
35890 @c described. For example:
35891 @c
35892 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
35893 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
35894 @c otherwise returns current registers.
35895 @c
35896 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
35897 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
35898 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
35899
35900 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
35901 @anchor{cycle step packet}
35902 @cindex @samp{i} packet
35903 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
35904 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
35905 step starting at that address.
35906
35907 @item I
35908 @cindex @samp{I} packet
35909 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
35910 step packet}.
35911
35912 @item k
35913 @cindex @samp{k} packet
35914 Kill request.
35915
35916 The exact effect of this packet is not specified.
35917
35918 For a bare-metal target, it may power cycle or reset the target
35919 system. For that reason, the @samp{k} packet has no reply.
35920
35921 For a single-process target, it may kill that process if possible.
35922
35923 A multiple-process target may choose to kill just one process, or all
35924 that are under @value{GDBN}'s control. For more precise control, use
35925 the vKill packet (@pxref{vKill packet}).
35926
35927 If the target system immediately closes the connection in response to
35928 @samp{k}, @value{GDBN} does not consider the lack of packet
35929 acknowledgment to be an error, and assumes the kill was successful.
35930
35931 If connected using @kbd{target extended-remote}, and the target does
35932 not close the connection in response to a kill request, @value{GDBN}
35933 probes the target state as if a new connection was opened
35934 (@pxref{? packet}).
35935
35936 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
35937 @cindex @samp{m} packet
35938 Read @var{length} addressable memory units starting at address @var{addr}
35939 (@pxref{addressable memory unit}). Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to
35940 any particular boundary.
35941
35942 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
35943 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
35944 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
35945 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
35946 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
35947 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
35948 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
35949 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
35950
35951 Reply:
35952 @table @samp
35953 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
35954 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal number.
35955 The reply may contain fewer addressable memory units than requested if the
35956 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
35957 @item E @var{NN}
35958 @var{NN} is errno
35959 @end table
35960
35961 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
35962 @cindex @samp{M} packet
35963 Write @var{length} addressable memory units starting at address @var{addr}
35964 (@pxref{addressable memory unit}). The data is given by @var{XX@dots{}}; each
35965 byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal number.
35966
35967 Reply:
35968 @table @samp
35969 @item OK
35970 for success
35971 @item E @var{NN}
35972 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
35973 written).
35974 @end table
35975
35976 @item p @var{n}
35977 @cindex @samp{p} packet
35978 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
35979 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
35980 register value is encoded.
35981
35982 Reply:
35983 @table @samp
35984 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
35985 the register's value
35986 @item E @var{NN}
35987 for an error
35988 @item @w{}
35989 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
35990 @end table
35991
35992 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
35993 @anchor{write register packet}
35994 @cindex @samp{P} packet
35995 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
35996 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
35997 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
35998
35999 Reply:
36000 @table @samp
36001 @item OK
36002 for success
36003 @item E @var{NN}
36004 for an error
36005 @end table
36006
36007 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
36008 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
36009 @cindex @samp{q} packet
36010 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
36011 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
36012 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
36013
36014 @item r
36015 @cindex @samp{r} packet
36016 Reset the entire system.
36017
36018 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
36019
36020 @item R @var{XX}
36021 @cindex @samp{R} packet
36022 Restart the program being debugged. The @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
36023 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
36024
36025 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
36026
36027 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
36028 @cindex @samp{s} packet
36029 Single step, resuming at @var{addr}. If
36030 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
36031
36032 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
36033 packet}.
36034
36035 Reply:
36036 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36037
36038 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
36039 @anchor{step with signal packet}
36040 @cindex @samp{S} packet
36041 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
36042 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
36043
36044 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
36045 packet}.
36046
36047 Reply:
36048 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36049
36050 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
36051 @cindex @samp{t} packet
36052 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
36053 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}, both of which are are 4 byte long.
36054 There must be at least 3 digits in @var{addr}.
36055
36056 @item T @var{thread-id}
36057 @cindex @samp{T} packet
36058 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
36059
36060 Reply:
36061 @table @samp
36062 @item OK
36063 thread is still alive
36064 @item E @var{NN}
36065 thread is dead
36066 @end table
36067
36068 @item v
36069 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
36070 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
36071
36072 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
36073 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
36074 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
36075 The process ID is a
36076 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
36077 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
36078 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
36079
36080 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
36081 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
36082 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
36083 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
36084 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
36085 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
36086 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
36087 @c stopping or restarting threads.
36088
36089 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
36090
36091 Reply:
36092 @table @samp
36093 @item E @var{nn}
36094 for an error
36095 @item @r{Any stop packet}
36096 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
36097 @item OK
36098 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
36099 @end table
36100
36101 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
36102 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
36103 @anchor{vCont packet}
36104 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
36105
36106 For each inferior thread, the leftmost action with a matching
36107 @var{thread-id} is applied. Threads that don't match any action
36108 remain in their current state. Thread IDs are specified using the
36109 syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}. If multiprocess
36110 extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}) are supported, actions
36111 can be specified to match all threads in a process by using the
36112 @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the @var{thread-id}. An action with no
36113 @var{thread-id} matches all threads. Specifying no actions is an
36114 error.
36115
36116 Currently supported actions are:
36117
36118 @table @samp
36119 @item c
36120 Continue.
36121 @item C @var{sig}
36122 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
36123 @item s
36124 Step.
36125 @item S @var{sig}
36126 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
36127 @item t
36128 Stop.
36129 @item r @var{start},@var{end}
36130 Step once, and then keep stepping as long as the thread stops at
36131 addresses between @var{start} (inclusive) and @var{end} (exclusive).
36132 The remote stub reports a stop reply when either the thread goes out
36133 of the range or is stopped due to an unrelated reason, such as hitting
36134 a breakpoint. @xref{range stepping}.
36135
36136 If the range is empty (@var{start} == @var{end}), then the action
36137 becomes equivalent to the @samp{s} action. In other words,
36138 single-step once, and report the stop (even if the stepped instruction
36139 jumps to @var{start}).
36140
36141 (A stop reply may be sent at any point even if the PC is still within
36142 the stepping range; for example, it is valid to implement this packet
36143 in a degenerate way as a single instruction step operation.)
36144
36145 @end table
36146
36147 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
36148 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
36149 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
36150
36151 The @samp{t} action is only relevant in non-stop mode
36152 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
36153 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
36154 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
36155 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
36156 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
36157 as an implementation detail.
36158
36159 The server must ignore @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, @samp{S}, and
36160 @samp{r} actions for threads that are already running. Conversely,
36161 the server must ignore @samp{t} actions for threads that are already
36162 stopped.
36163
36164 @emph{Note:} In non-stop mode, a thread is considered running until
36165 @value{GDBN} acknowleges an asynchronous stop notification for it with
36166 the @samp{vStopped} packet (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}).
36167
36168 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
36169 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}).
36170
36171 Reply:
36172 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36173
36174 @item vCont?
36175 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
36176 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
36177
36178 Reply:
36179 @table @samp
36180 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
36181 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
36182 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
36183 @item @w{}
36184 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
36185 @end table
36186
36187 @anchor{vCtrlC packet}
36188 @item vCtrlC
36189 @cindex @samp{vCtrlC} packet
36190 Interrupt remote target as if a control-C was pressed on the remote
36191 terminal. This is the equivalent to reacting to the @code{^C}
36192 (@samp{\003}, the control-C character) character in all-stop mode
36193 while the target is running, except this works in non-stop mode.
36194 @xref{interrupting remote targets}, for more info on the all-stop
36195 variant.
36196
36197 Reply:
36198 @table @samp
36199 @item E @var{nn}
36200 for an error
36201 @item OK
36202 for success
36203 @end table
36204
36205 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
36206 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
36207 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
36208 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
36209
36210 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
36211 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
36212 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
36213 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
36214 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
36215 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
36216 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
36217 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
36218 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
36219 packet is received.
36220
36221 Reply:
36222 @table @samp
36223 @item OK
36224 for success
36225 @item E @var{NN}
36226 for an error
36227 @end table
36228
36229 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
36230 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
36231 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
36232 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
36233 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
36234 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
36235 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
36236 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
36237 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
36238 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
36239 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
36240 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
36241
36242
36243 Reply:
36244 @table @samp
36245 @item OK
36246 for success
36247 @item E.memtype
36248 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
36249 @item E @var{NN}
36250 for an error
36251 @end table
36252
36253 @item vFlashDone
36254 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
36255 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
36256 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
36257 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
36258 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
36259 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
36260 request is completed.
36261
36262 @item vKill;@var{pid}
36263 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
36264 @anchor{vKill packet}
36265 Kill the process with the specified process ID @var{pid}, which is a
36266 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
36267 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
36268 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
36269
36270 Reply:
36271 @table @samp
36272 @item E @var{nn}
36273 for an error
36274 @item OK
36275 for success
36276 @end table
36277
36278 @item vMustReplyEmpty
36279 @cindex @samp{vMustReplyEmpty} packet
36280 The correct reply to an unknown @samp{v} packet is to return the empty
36281 string, however, some older versions of @command{gdbserver} would
36282 incorrectly return @samp{OK} for unknown @samp{v} packets.
36283
36284 The @samp{vMustReplyEmpty} is used as a feature test to check how
36285 @command{gdbserver} handles unknown packets, it is important that this
36286 packet be handled in the same way as other unknown @samp{v} packets.
36287 If this packet is handled differently to other unknown @samp{v}
36288 packets then it is possile that @value{GDBN} may run into problems in
36289 other areas, specifically around use of @samp{vFile:setfs:}.
36290
36291 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
36292 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
36293 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
36294 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
36295 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
36296 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
36297 state.
36298
36299 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
36300
36301 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
36302
36303 Reply:
36304 @table @samp
36305 @item E @var{nn}
36306 for an error
36307 @item @r{Any stop packet}
36308 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
36309 @end table
36310
36311 @item vStopped
36312 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
36313 @xref{Notification Packets}.
36314
36315 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
36316 @anchor{X packet}
36317 @cindex @samp{X} packet
36318 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
36319 Memory is specified by its address @var{addr} and number of addressable memory
36320 units @var{length} (@pxref{addressable memory unit});
36321 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
36322
36323 Reply:
36324 @table @samp
36325 @item OK
36326 for success
36327 @item E @var{NN}
36328 for an error
36329 @end table
36330
36331 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
36332 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
36333 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
36334 @cindex @samp{z} packet
36335 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
36336 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
36337 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} of kind @var{kind}.
36338
36339 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
36340 separately.
36341
36342 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
36343 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
36344 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
36345 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
36346 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
36347 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
36348
36349 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36350 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}@r{[};cmds:@var{persist},@var{cmd_list}@dots{}@r{]}
36351 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
36352 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
36353 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a software breakpoint at address
36354 @var{addr} of type @var{kind}.
36355
36356 A software breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
36357 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
36358 @var{kind} is target-specific and typically indicates the size of the
36359 breakpoint in bytes that should be inserted. E.g., the @sc{arm} and
36360 @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint. Some
36361 architectures have additional meanings for @var{kind}
36362 (@pxref{Architecture-Specific Protocol Details}); if no
36363 architecture-specific value is being used, it should be @samp{0}.
36364 @var{kind} is hex-encoded. @var{cond_list} is an optional list of
36365 conditional expressions in bytecode form that should be evaluated on
36366 the target's side. These are the conditions that should be taken into
36367 consideration when deciding if the breakpoint trigger should be
36368 reported back to @value{GDBN}.
36369
36370 See also the @samp{swbreak} stop reason (@pxref{swbreak stop reason})
36371 for how to best report a software breakpoint event to @value{GDBN}.
36372
36373 The @var{cond_list} parameter is comprised of a series of expressions,
36374 concatenated without separators. Each expression has the following form:
36375
36376 @table @samp
36377
36378 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
36379 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
36380 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
36381
36382 @end table
36383
36384 The optional @var{cmd_list} parameter introduces commands that may be
36385 run on the target, rather than being reported back to @value{GDBN}.
36386 The parameter starts with a numeric flag @var{persist}; if the flag is
36387 nonzero, then the breakpoint may remain active and the commands
36388 continue to be run even when @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target.
36389 Following this flag is a series of expressions concatenated with no
36390 separators. Each expression has the following form:
36391
36392 @table @samp
36393
36394 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
36395 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
36396 actual commands expression in bytecode form.
36397
36398 @end table
36399
36400 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
36401 code that contains software breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
36402 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
36403 target, is not defined.}
36404
36405 Reply:
36406 @table @samp
36407 @item OK
36408 success
36409 @item @w{}
36410 not supported
36411 @item E @var{NN}
36412 for an error
36413 @end table
36414
36415 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36416 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}@r{[};cmds:@var{persist},@var{cmd_list}@dots{}@r{]}
36417 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
36418 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
36419 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
36420 address @var{addr}.
36421
36422 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
36423 dependent on being able to modify the target's memory. The
36424 @var{kind}, @var{cond_list}, and @var{cmd_list} arguments have the
36425 same meaning as in @samp{Z0} packets.
36426
36427 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
36428 movement.}
36429
36430 Reply:
36431 @table @samp
36432 @item OK
36433 success
36434 @item @w{}
36435 not supported
36436 @item E @var{NN}
36437 for an error
36438 @end table
36439
36440 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36441 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36442 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
36443 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
36444 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint at @var{addr}.
36445 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
36446
36447 Reply:
36448 @table @samp
36449 @item OK
36450 success
36451 @item @w{}
36452 not supported
36453 @item E @var{NN}
36454 for an error
36455 @end table
36456
36457 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36458 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36459 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
36460 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
36461 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint at @var{addr}.
36462 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
36463
36464 Reply:
36465 @table @samp
36466 @item OK
36467 success
36468 @item @w{}
36469 not supported
36470 @item E @var{NN}
36471 for an error
36472 @end table
36473
36474 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36475 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36476 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
36477 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
36478 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint at @var{addr}.
36479 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
36480
36481 Reply:
36482 @table @samp
36483 @item OK
36484 success
36485 @item @w{}
36486 not supported
36487 @item E @var{NN}
36488 for an error
36489 @end table
36490
36491 @end table
36492
36493 @node Stop Reply Packets
36494 @section Stop Reply Packets
36495 @cindex stop reply packets
36496
36497 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
36498 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
36499 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
36500 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
36501 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
36502 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
36503 @value{GDBN} source code.
36504
36505 In non-stop mode, the server will simply reply @samp{OK} to commands
36506 such as @samp{vCont}; any stop will be the subject of a future
36507 notification. @xref{Remote Non-Stop}.
36508
36509 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
36510 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
36511 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
36512 components.
36513
36514 @table @samp
36515
36516 @item S @var{AA}
36517 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
36518 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
36519 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
36520
36521 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
36522 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
36523 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
36524 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
36525 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
36526 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
36527 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
36528 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
36529
36530 @itemize @bullet
36531 @item
36532 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
36533 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. The data @var{r} is a
36534 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
36535 two-digit hex number.
36536
36537 @item
36538 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
36539 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
36540
36541 @item
36542 If @var{n} is @samp{core}, then @var{r} is the hexadecimal number of
36543 the core on which the stop event was detected.
36544
36545 @item
36546 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
36547 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
36548 reasons are listed below. The @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
36549 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
36550
36551 @item
36552 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
36553 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
36554 future.
36555 @end itemize
36556
36557 The currently defined stop reasons are:
36558
36559 @table @samp
36560 @item watch
36561 @itemx rwatch
36562 @itemx awatch
36563 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
36564 hex.
36565
36566 @item syscall_entry
36567 @itemx syscall_return
36568 The packet indicates a syscall entry or return, and @var{r} is the
36569 syscall number, in hex.
36570
36571 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
36572 @item library
36573 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
36574 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
36575 list of loaded libraries. The @var{r} part is ignored.
36576
36577 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
36578 @item replaylog
36579 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
36580 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
36581 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
36582 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
36583 for more information.
36584
36585 @item swbreak
36586 @anchor{swbreak stop reason}
36587 The packet indicates a software breakpoint instruction was executed,
36588 irrespective of whether it was @value{GDBN} that planted the
36589 breakpoint or the breakpoint is hardcoded in the program. The @var{r}
36590 part must be left empty.
36591
36592 On some architectures, such as x86, at the architecture level, when a
36593 breakpoint instruction executes the program counter points at the
36594 breakpoint address plus an offset. On such targets, the stub is
36595 responsible for adjusting the PC to point back at the breakpoint
36596 address.
36597
36598 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
36599 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
36600 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
36601 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
36602 indicating support.
36603
36604 This packet is required for correct non-stop mode operation.
36605
36606 @item hwbreak
36607 The packet indicates the target stopped for a hardware breakpoint.
36608 The @var{r} part must be left empty.
36609
36610 The same remarks about @samp{qSupported} and non-stop mode above
36611 apply.
36612
36613 @cindex fork events, remote reply
36614 @item fork
36615 The packet indicates that @code{fork} was called, and @var{r}
36616 is the thread ID of the new child process. Refer to
36617 @ref{thread-id syntax} for the format of the @var{thread-id}
36618 field. This packet is only applicable to targets that support
36619 fork events.
36620
36621 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
36622 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
36623 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
36624 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
36625 indicating support.
36626
36627 @cindex vfork events, remote reply
36628 @item vfork
36629 The packet indicates that @code{vfork} was called, and @var{r}
36630 is the thread ID of the new child process. Refer to
36631 @ref{thread-id syntax} for the format of the @var{thread-id}
36632 field. This packet is only applicable to targets that support
36633 vfork events.
36634
36635 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
36636 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
36637 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
36638 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
36639 indicating support.
36640
36641 @cindex vforkdone events, remote reply
36642 @item vforkdone
36643 The packet indicates that a child process created by a vfork
36644 has either called @code{exec} or terminated, so that the
36645 address spaces of the parent and child process are no longer
36646 shared. The @var{r} part is ignored. This packet is only
36647 applicable to targets that support vforkdone events.
36648
36649 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
36650 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
36651 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
36652 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
36653 indicating support.
36654
36655 @cindex exec events, remote reply
36656 @item exec
36657 The packet indicates that @code{execve} was called, and @var{r}
36658 is the absolute pathname of the file that was executed, in hex.
36659 This packet is only applicable to targets that support exec events.
36660
36661 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
36662 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
36663 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
36664 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
36665 indicating support.
36666
36667 @cindex thread create event, remote reply
36668 @anchor{thread create event}
36669 @item create
36670 The packet indicates that the thread was just created. The new thread
36671 is stopped until @value{GDBN} sets it running with a resumption packet
36672 (@pxref{vCont packet}). This packet should not be sent by default;
36673 @value{GDBN} requests it with the @ref{QThreadEvents} packet. See
36674 also the @samp{w} (@pxref{thread exit event}) remote reply below. The
36675 @var{r} part is ignored.
36676
36677 @end table
36678
36679 @item W @var{AA}
36680 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
36681 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
36682 applicable to certain targets.
36683
36684 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
36685 exited process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
36686 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
36687 extensions}. Both @var{AA} and @var{pid} are formatted as big-endian
36688 hex strings.
36689
36690 @item X @var{AA}
36691 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
36692 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
36693
36694 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
36695 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
36696 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
36697 extensions}. Both @var{AA} and @var{pid} are formatted as big-endian
36698 hex strings.
36699
36700 @anchor{thread exit event}
36701 @cindex thread exit event, remote reply
36702 @item w @var{AA} ; @var{tid}
36703
36704 The thread exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This response
36705 should not be sent by default; @value{GDBN} requests it with the
36706 @ref{QThreadEvents} packet. See also @ref{thread create event} above.
36707 @var{AA} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
36708
36709 @item N
36710 There are no resumed threads left in the target. In other words, even
36711 though the process is alive, the last resumed thread has exited. For
36712 example, say the target process has two threads: thread 1 and thread
36713 2. The client leaves thread 1 stopped, and resumes thread 2, which
36714 subsequently exits. At this point, even though the process is still
36715 alive, and thus no @samp{W} stop reply is sent, no thread is actually
36716 executing either. The @samp{N} stop reply thus informs the client
36717 that it can stop waiting for stop replies. This packet should not be
36718 sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions did not support it.
36719 @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an appropriate
36720 @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The remote stub must
36721 also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature indicating
36722 support.
36723
36724 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
36725 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
36726 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
36727 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
36728 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
36729
36730 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
36731 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
36732 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
36733 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
36734 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
36735 system calls.
36736
36737 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
36738 this very system call.
36739
36740 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
36741 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
36742 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
36743 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
36744 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
36745 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
36746
36747 @end table
36748
36749 @node General Query Packets
36750 @section General Query Packets
36751 @cindex remote query requests
36752
36753 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
36754 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
36755 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
36756 sending information to and from the stub.
36757
36758 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
36759 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
36760 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
36761 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
36762 conventions:
36763
36764 @itemize @bullet
36765 @item
36766 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
36767 @item
36768 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
36769 letter.
36770 @item
36771 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
36772 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
36773 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
36774 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
36775 @end itemize
36776
36777 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
36778 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
36779 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
36780 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
36781 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
36782 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
36783 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
36784 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
36785 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
36786 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
36787 packet.}.
36788
36789 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
36790 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
36791 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
36792 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
36793 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
36794
36795 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
36796
36797 @table @samp
36798
36799 @item QAgent:1
36800 @itemx QAgent:0
36801 Turn on or off the agent as a helper to perform some debugging operations
36802 delegated from @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Control Agent}).
36803
36804 @item QAllow:@var{op}:@var{val}@dots{}
36805 @cindex @samp{QAllow} packet
36806 Specify which operations @value{GDBN} expects to request of the
36807 target, as a semicolon-separated list of operation name and value
36808 pairs. Possible values for @var{op} include @samp{WriteReg},
36809 @samp{WriteMem}, @samp{InsertBreak}, @samp{InsertTrace},
36810 @samp{InsertFastTrace}, and @samp{Stop}. @var{val} is either 0,
36811 indicating that @value{GDBN} will not request the operation, or 1,
36812 indicating that it may. (The target can then use this to set up its
36813 own internals optimally, for instance if the debugger never expects to
36814 insert breakpoints, it may not need to install its own trap handler.)
36815
36816 @item qC
36817 @cindex current thread, remote request
36818 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
36819 Return the current thread ID.
36820
36821 Reply:
36822 @table @samp
36823 @item QC @var{thread-id}
36824 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
36825 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
36826 @item @r{(anything else)}
36827 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
36828 @end table
36829
36830 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
36831 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
36832 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
36833 @anchor{qCRC packet}
36834 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory using CRC-32 defined in
36835 IEEE 802.3. The CRC is computed byte at a time, taking the most
36836 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern code
36837 @code{0xffffffff} is used to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC.
36838
36839 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC used in validating separate debug
36840 files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files, , Debugging Information in Separate
36841 Files}). However the algorithm is slightly different. When validating
36842 separate debug files, the CRC is computed taking the @emph{least}
36843 significant bit of each byte first, and the final result is inverted to
36844 detect trailing zeros.
36845
36846 Reply:
36847 @table @samp
36848 @item E @var{NN}
36849 An error (such as memory fault)
36850 @item C @var{crc32}
36851 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
36852 @end table
36853
36854 @item QDisableRandomization:@var{value}
36855 @cindex disable address space randomization, remote request
36856 @cindex @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet
36857 Some target operating systems will randomize the virtual address space
36858 of the inferior process as a security feature, but provide a feature
36859 to disable such randomization, e.g.@: to allow for a more deterministic
36860 debugging experience. On such systems, this packet with a @var{value}
36861 of 1 directs the target to disable address space randomization for
36862 processes subsequently started via @samp{vRun} packets, while a packet
36863 with a @var{value} of 0 tells the target to enable address space
36864 randomization.
36865
36866 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
36867
36868 Reply:
36869 @table @samp
36870 @item OK
36871 The request succeeded.
36872
36873 @item E @var{nn}
36874 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
36875
36876 @item @w{}
36877 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QDisableRandomization} is not supported
36878 by the stub.
36879 @end table
36880
36881 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36882 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36883 This should only be done on targets that actually support disabling
36884 address space randomization.
36885
36886 @item QStartupWithShell:@var{value}
36887 @cindex startup with shell, remote request
36888 @cindex @samp{QStartupWithShell} packet
36889 On UNIX-like targets, it is possible to start the inferior using a
36890 shell program. This is the default behavior on both @value{GDBN} and
36891 @command{gdbserver} (@pxref{set startup-with-shell}). This packet is
36892 used to inform @command{gdbserver} whether it should start the
36893 inferior using a shell or not.
36894
36895 If @var{value} is @samp{0}, @command{gdbserver} will not use a shell
36896 to start the inferior. If @var{value} is @samp{1},
36897 @command{gdbserver} will use a shell to start the inferior. All other
36898 values are considered an error.
36899
36900 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
36901 mode}).
36902
36903 Reply:
36904 @table @samp
36905 @item OK
36906 The request succeeded.
36907
36908 @item E @var{nn}
36909 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
36910 @end table
36911
36912 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36913 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
36914 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
36915 actually support starting the inferior using a shell.
36916
36917 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set startup-with-shell}
36918 command; @pxref{set startup-with-shell}.
36919
36920 @item QEnvironmentHexEncoded:@var{hex-value}
36921 @anchor{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}
36922 @cindex set environment variable, remote request
36923 @cindex @samp{QEnvironmentHexEncoded} packet
36924 On UNIX-like targets, it is possible to set environment variables that
36925 will be passed to the inferior during the startup process. This
36926 packet is used to inform @command{gdbserver} of an environment
36927 variable that has been defined by the user on @value{GDBN} (@pxref{set
36928 environment}).
36929
36930 The packet is composed by @var{hex-value}, an hex encoded
36931 representation of the @var{name=value} format representing an
36932 environment variable. The name of the environment variable is
36933 represented by @var{name}, and the value to be assigned to the
36934 environment variable is represented by @var{value}. If the variable
36935 has no value (i.e., the value is @code{null}), then @var{value} will
36936 not be present.
36937
36938 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
36939 mode}).
36940
36941 Reply:
36942 @table @samp
36943 @item OK
36944 The request succeeded.
36945 @end table
36946
36947 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36948 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
36949 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
36950 actually support passing environment variables to the starting
36951 inferior.
36952
36953 This packet is related to the @code{set environment} command;
36954 @pxref{set environment}.
36955
36956 @item QEnvironmentUnset:@var{hex-value}
36957 @anchor{QEnvironmentUnset}
36958 @cindex unset environment variable, remote request
36959 @cindex @samp{QEnvironmentUnset} packet
36960 On UNIX-like targets, it is possible to unset environment variables
36961 before starting the inferior in the remote target. This packet is
36962 used to inform @command{gdbserver} of an environment variable that has
36963 been unset by the user on @value{GDBN} (@pxref{unset environment}).
36964
36965 The packet is composed by @var{hex-value}, an hex encoded
36966 representation of the name of the environment variable to be unset.
36967
36968 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
36969 mode}).
36970
36971 Reply:
36972 @table @samp
36973 @item OK
36974 The request succeeded.
36975 @end table
36976
36977 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36978 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
36979 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
36980 actually support passing environment variables to the starting
36981 inferior.
36982
36983 This packet is related to the @code{unset environment} command;
36984 @pxref{unset environment}.
36985
36986 @item QEnvironmentReset
36987 @anchor{QEnvironmentReset}
36988 @cindex reset environment, remote request
36989 @cindex @samp{QEnvironmentReset} packet
36990 On UNIX-like targets, this packet is used to reset the state of
36991 environment variables in the remote target before starting the
36992 inferior. In this context, reset means unsetting all environment
36993 variables that were previously set by the user (i.e., were not
36994 initially present in the environment). It is sent to
36995 @command{gdbserver} before the @samp{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}
36996 (@pxref{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}) and the @samp{QEnvironmentUnset}
36997 (@pxref{QEnvironmentUnset}) packets.
36998
36999 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
37000 mode}).
37001
37002 Reply:
37003 @table @samp
37004 @item OK
37005 The request succeeded.
37006 @end table
37007
37008 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37009 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
37010 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
37011 actually support passing environment variables to the starting
37012 inferior.
37013
37014 @item QSetWorkingDir:@r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
37015 @anchor{QSetWorkingDir packet}
37016 @cindex set working directory, remote request
37017 @cindex @samp{QSetWorkingDir} packet
37018 This packet is used to inform the remote server of the intended
37019 current working directory for programs that are going to be executed.
37020
37021 The packet is composed by @var{directory}, an hex encoded
37022 representation of the directory that the remote inferior will use as
37023 its current working directory. If @var{directory} is an empty string,
37024 the remote server should reset the inferior's current working
37025 directory to its original, empty value.
37026
37027 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
37028 mode}).
37029
37030 Reply:
37031 @table @samp
37032 @item OK
37033 The request succeeded.
37034 @end table
37035
37036 @item qfThreadInfo
37037 @itemx qsThreadInfo
37038 @cindex list active threads, remote request
37039 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
37040 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
37041 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
37042 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
37043 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
37044 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
37045 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
37046 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
37047
37048 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
37049
37050 Reply:
37051 @table @samp
37052 @item m @var{thread-id}
37053 A single thread ID
37054 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
37055 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
37056 @item l
37057 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
37058 @end table
37059
37060 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
37061 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
37062 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
37063 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
37064 with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for @dfn{last}).
37065 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
37066 fields.
37067
37068 @emph{Note: @value{GDBN} will send the @code{qfThreadInfo} query during the
37069 initial connection with the remote target, and the very first thread ID
37070 mentioned in the reply will be stopped by @value{GDBN} in a subsequent
37071 message. Therefore, the stub should ensure that the first thread ID in
37072 the @code{qfThreadInfo} reply is suitable for being stopped by @value{GDBN}.}
37073
37074 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
37075 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
37076 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
37077 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
37078 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
37079
37080 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
37081 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
37082
37083 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
37084 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
37085 information associated with the variable.)
37086
37087 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
37088 load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
37089 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
37090 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
37091 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
37092 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
37093
37094 Reply:
37095 @table @samp
37096 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
37097 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
37098 local storage requested.
37099
37100 @item E @var{nn}
37101 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
37102
37103 @item @w{}
37104 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
37105 @end table
37106
37107 @item qGetTIBAddr:@var{thread-id}
37108 @cindex get thread information block address
37109 @cindex @samp{qGetTIBAddr} packet
37110 Fetch address of the Windows OS specific Thread Information Block.
37111
37112 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the thread.
37113
37114 Reply:
37115 @table @samp
37116 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
37117 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the linear address of the
37118 thread information block.
37119
37120 @item E @var{nn}
37121 An error occured. This means that either the thread was not found, or the
37122 address could not be retrieved.
37123
37124 @item @w{}
37125 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTIBAddr} is not supported by the stub.
37126 @end table
37127
37128 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
37129 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
37130 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
37131 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
37132 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
37133 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
37134 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
37135
37136 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
37137
37138 Reply:
37139 @table @samp
37140 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
37141 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
37142 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
37143 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
37144 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
37145 is a sequence of thread IDs, @var{threadid} (eight hex
37146 digits), from the target. See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
37147 @end table
37148
37149 @item qOffsets
37150 @cindex section offsets, remote request
37151 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
37152 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
37153 image.
37154
37155 Reply:
37156 @table @samp
37157 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
37158 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
37159 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
37160 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
37161 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
37162 segments by the supplied offsets.
37163
37164 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
37165 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
37166 to the @code{Bss} section.}
37167
37168 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
37169 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
37170 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
37171 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
37172 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
37173 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
37174 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
37175 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
37176 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
37177 @end table
37178
37179 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
37180 @cindex thread information, remote request
37181 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
37182 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
37183 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
37184 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
37185
37186 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
37187 (see below).
37188
37189 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
37190
37191 @item QNonStop:1
37192 @itemx QNonStop:0
37193 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
37194 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
37195 @anchor{QNonStop}
37196 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
37197 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
37198
37199 Reply:
37200 @table @samp
37201 @item OK
37202 The request succeeded.
37203
37204 @item E @var{nn}
37205 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
37206
37207 @item @w{}
37208 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
37209 the stub.
37210 @end table
37211
37212 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37213 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37214 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
37215 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
37216
37217 @item QCatchSyscalls:1 @r{[};@var{sysno}@r{]}@dots{}
37218 @itemx QCatchSyscalls:0
37219 @cindex catch syscalls from inferior, remote request
37220 @cindex @samp{QCatchSyscalls} packet
37221 @anchor{QCatchSyscalls}
37222 Enable (@samp{QCatchSyscalls:1}) or disable (@samp{QCatchSyscalls:0})
37223 catching syscalls from the inferior process.
37224
37225 For @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1}, each listed syscall @var{sysno} (encoded
37226 in hex) should be reported to @value{GDBN}. If no syscall @var{sysno}
37227 is listed, every system call should be reported.
37228
37229 Note that if a syscall not in the list is reported, @value{GDBN} will
37230 still filter the event according to its own list from all corresponding
37231 @code{catch syscall} commands. However, it is more efficient to only
37232 report the requested syscalls.
37233
37234 Multiple @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1} packets do not combine; any earlier
37235 @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1} list is completely replaced by the new list.
37236
37237 If the inferior process execs, the state of @samp{QCatchSyscalls} is
37238 kept for the new process too. On targets where exec may affect syscall
37239 numbers, for example with exec between 32 and 64-bit processes, the
37240 client should send a new packet with the new syscall list.
37241
37242 Reply:
37243 @table @samp
37244 @item OK
37245 The request succeeded.
37246
37247 @item E @var{nn}
37248 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
37249
37250 @item @w{}
37251 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QCatchSyscalls} is not supported by
37252 the stub.
37253 @end table
37254
37255 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote catch-syscalls}
37256 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote catch-syscalls}).
37257 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37258 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37259
37260 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
37261 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
37262 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
37263 @anchor{QPassSignals}
37264 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
37265 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
37266 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
37267 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
37268 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
37269 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
37270 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
37271 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
37272 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
37273
37274 Reply:
37275 @table @samp
37276 @item OK
37277 The request succeeded.
37278
37279 @item E @var{nn}
37280 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
37281
37282 @item @w{}
37283 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
37284 the stub.
37285 @end table
37286
37287 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
37288 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
37289 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37290 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37291
37292 @item QProgramSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
37293 @cindex signals the inferior may see, remote request
37294 @cindex @samp{QProgramSignals} packet
37295 @anchor{QProgramSignals}
37296 Each listed @var{signal} may be delivered to the inferior process.
37297 Others should be silently discarded.
37298
37299 In some cases, the remote stub may need to decide whether to deliver a
37300 signal to the program or not without @value{GDBN} involvement. One
37301 example of that is while detaching --- the program's threads may have
37302 stopped for signals that haven't yet had a chance of being reported to
37303 @value{GDBN}, and so the remote stub can use the signal list specified
37304 by this packet to know whether to deliver or ignore those pending
37305 signals.
37306
37307 This does not influence whether to deliver a signal as requested by a
37308 resumption packet (@pxref{vCont packet}).
37309
37310 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
37311 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
37312 strictly greater than the previous item. Multiple
37313 @samp{QProgramSignals} packets do not combine; any earlier
37314 @samp{QProgramSignals} list is completely replaced by the new list.
37315
37316 Reply:
37317 @table @samp
37318 @item OK
37319 The request succeeded.
37320
37321 @item E @var{nn}
37322 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
37323
37324 @item @w{}
37325 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QProgramSignals} is not supported
37326 by the stub.
37327 @end table
37328
37329 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote program-signals}
37330 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote program-signals}).
37331 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37332 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37333
37334 @anchor{QThreadEvents}
37335 @item QThreadEvents:1
37336 @itemx QThreadEvents:0
37337 @cindex thread create/exit events, remote request
37338 @cindex @samp{QThreadEvents} packet
37339
37340 Enable (@samp{QThreadEvents:1}) or disable (@samp{QThreadEvents:0})
37341 reporting of thread create and exit events. @xref{thread create
37342 event}, for the reply specifications. For example, this is used in
37343 non-stop mode when @value{GDBN} stops a set of threads and
37344 synchronously waits for the their corresponding stop replies. Without
37345 exit events, if one of the threads exits, @value{GDBN} would hang
37346 forever not knowing that it should no longer expect a stop for that
37347 same thread. @value{GDBN} does not enable this feature unless the
37348 stub reports that it supports it by including @samp{QThreadEvents+} in
37349 its @samp{qSupported} reply.
37350
37351 Reply:
37352 @table @samp
37353 @item OK
37354 The request succeeded.
37355
37356 @item E @var{nn}
37357 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
37358
37359 @item @w{}
37360 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QThreadEvents} is not supported by
37361 the stub.
37362 @end table
37363
37364 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote thread-events}
37365 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote thread-events}).
37366
37367 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
37368 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
37369 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
37370 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
37371 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
37372 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
37373 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
37374 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
37375 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
37376
37377 Reply:
37378 @table @samp
37379 @item OK
37380 A command response with no output.
37381 @item @var{OUTPUT}
37382 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
37383 @item E @var{NN}
37384 Indicate a badly formed request.
37385 @item @w{}
37386 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
37387 @end table
37388
37389 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
37390 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
37391 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
37392 packets.)
37393
37394 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
37395 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
37396 @ifnotinfo
37397 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
37398 @end ifnotinfo
37399 @cindex @samp{qSearch memory} packet
37400 @anchor{qSearch memory}
37401 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
37402 Both @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex;
37403 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, also hex encoded.
37404
37405 Reply:
37406 @table @samp
37407 @item 0
37408 The pattern was not found.
37409 @item 1,address
37410 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
37411 @item E @var{NN}
37412 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
37413 @item @w{}
37414 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
37415 @end table
37416
37417 @item QStartNoAckMode
37418 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
37419 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
37420 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
37421 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
37422
37423 Reply:
37424 @table @samp
37425 @item OK
37426 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
37427 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
37428 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
37429 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
37430 @item @w{}
37431 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
37432 @end table
37433
37434 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
37435 @cindex supported packets, remote query
37436 @cindex features of the remote protocol
37437 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
37438 @anchor{qSupported}
37439 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
37440 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
37441 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
37442 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
37443 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
37444 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
37445 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
37446 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
37447 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
37448 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
37449 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
37450 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
37451 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
37452 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
37453
37454 Reply:
37455 @table @samp
37456 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
37457 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
37458 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
37459 possible forms).
37460 @item @w{}
37461 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
37462 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
37463 @end table
37464
37465 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
37466 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
37467 are:
37468
37469 @table @samp
37470 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
37471 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
37472 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
37473 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
37474 @item @var{name}+
37475 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
37476 need an associated value.
37477 @item @var{name}-
37478 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
37479 @item @var{name}?
37480 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
37481 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
37482 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
37483 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
37484 @end table
37485
37486 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
37487 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
37488 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
37489 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
37490 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
37491
37492 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
37493 are defined:
37494
37495 @table @samp
37496 @item multiprocess
37497 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
37498 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
37499 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
37500 including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
37501 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
37502
37503 @item xmlRegisters
37504 This feature indicates that @value{GDBN} supports the XML target
37505 description. If the stub sees @samp{xmlRegisters=} with target
37506 specific strings separated by a comma, it will report register
37507 description.
37508
37509 @item qRelocInsn
37510 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the
37511 @samp{qRelocInsn} packet (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
37512 instruction reply packet}).
37513
37514 @item swbreak
37515 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the swbreak stop
37516 reason in stop replies. @xref{swbreak stop reason}, for details.
37517
37518 @item hwbreak
37519 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the hwbreak stop
37520 reason in stop replies. @xref{swbreak stop reason}, for details.
37521
37522 @item fork-events
37523 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports fork event
37524 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
37525 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
37526 including @samp{fork-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
37527
37528 @item vfork-events
37529 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports vfork event
37530 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
37531 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
37532 including @samp{vfork-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
37533
37534 @item exec-events
37535 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports exec event
37536 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
37537 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
37538 including @samp{exec-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
37539
37540 @item vContSupported
37541 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} wants to know the
37542 supported actions in the reply to @samp{vCont?} packet.
37543 @end table
37544
37545 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
37546 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
37547 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
37548 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
37549 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
37550 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
37551 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
37552 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
37553 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
37554 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
37555 all the features it supports.
37556
37557 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
37558 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
37559
37560 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
37561 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
37562 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
37563 form response.
37564
37565 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
37566 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
37567 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
37568 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
37569
37570 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
37571 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
37572 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
37573 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
37574 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
37575
37576 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
37577
37578 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
37579 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
37580 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
37581 @item Feature Name
37582 @tab Value Required
37583 @tab Default
37584 @tab Probe Allowed
37585
37586 @item @samp{PacketSize}
37587 @tab Yes
37588 @tab @samp{-}
37589 @tab No
37590
37591 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
37592 @tab No
37593 @tab @samp{-}
37594 @tab Yes
37595
37596 @item @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
37597 @tab No
37598 @tab @samp{-}
37599 @tab Yes
37600
37601 @item @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
37602 @tab No
37603 @tab @samp{-}
37604 @tab Yes
37605
37606 @item @samp{qXfer:exec-file:read}
37607 @tab No
37608 @tab @samp{-}
37609 @tab Yes
37610
37611 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
37612 @tab No
37613 @tab @samp{-}
37614 @tab Yes
37615
37616 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
37617 @tab No
37618 @tab @samp{-}
37619 @tab Yes
37620
37621 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read}
37622 @tab No
37623 @tab @samp{-}
37624 @tab Yes
37625
37626 @item @samp{augmented-libraries-svr4-read}
37627 @tab No
37628 @tab @samp{-}
37629 @tab No
37630
37631 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
37632 @tab No
37633 @tab @samp{-}
37634 @tab Yes
37635
37636 @item @samp{qXfer:sdata:read}
37637 @tab No
37638 @tab @samp{-}
37639 @tab Yes
37640
37641 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
37642 @tab No
37643 @tab @samp{-}
37644 @tab Yes
37645
37646 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
37647 @tab No
37648 @tab @samp{-}
37649 @tab Yes
37650
37651 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
37652 @tab No
37653 @tab @samp{-}
37654 @tab Yes
37655
37656 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
37657 @tab No
37658 @tab @samp{-}
37659 @tab Yes
37660
37661 @item @samp{qXfer:threads:read}
37662 @tab No
37663 @tab @samp{-}
37664 @tab Yes
37665
37666 @item @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
37667 @tab No
37668 @tab @samp{-}
37669 @tab Yes
37670
37671 @item @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
37672 @tab No
37673 @tab @samp{-}
37674 @tab Yes
37675
37676 @item @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
37677 @tab No
37678 @tab @samp{-}
37679 @tab Yes
37680
37681 @item @samp{Qbtrace:off}
37682 @tab Yes
37683 @tab @samp{-}
37684 @tab Yes
37685
37686 @item @samp{Qbtrace:bts}
37687 @tab Yes
37688 @tab @samp{-}
37689 @tab Yes
37690
37691 @item @samp{Qbtrace:pt}
37692 @tab Yes
37693 @tab @samp{-}
37694 @tab Yes
37695
37696 @item @samp{Qbtrace-conf:bts:size}
37697 @tab Yes
37698 @tab @samp{-}
37699 @tab Yes
37700
37701 @item @samp{Qbtrace-conf:pt:size}
37702 @tab Yes
37703 @tab @samp{-}
37704 @tab Yes
37705
37706 @item @samp{QNonStop}
37707 @tab No
37708 @tab @samp{-}
37709 @tab Yes
37710
37711 @item @samp{QCatchSyscalls}
37712 @tab No
37713 @tab @samp{-}
37714 @tab Yes
37715
37716 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
37717 @tab No
37718 @tab @samp{-}
37719 @tab Yes
37720
37721 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
37722 @tab No
37723 @tab @samp{-}
37724 @tab Yes
37725
37726 @item @samp{multiprocess}
37727 @tab No
37728 @tab @samp{-}
37729 @tab No
37730
37731 @item @samp{ConditionalBreakpoints}
37732 @tab No
37733 @tab @samp{-}
37734 @tab No
37735
37736 @item @samp{ConditionalTracepoints}
37737 @tab No
37738 @tab @samp{-}
37739 @tab No
37740
37741 @item @samp{ReverseContinue}
37742 @tab No
37743 @tab @samp{-}
37744 @tab No
37745
37746 @item @samp{ReverseStep}
37747 @tab No
37748 @tab @samp{-}
37749 @tab No
37750
37751 @item @samp{TracepointSource}
37752 @tab No
37753 @tab @samp{-}
37754 @tab No
37755
37756 @item @samp{QAgent}
37757 @tab No
37758 @tab @samp{-}
37759 @tab No
37760
37761 @item @samp{QAllow}
37762 @tab No
37763 @tab @samp{-}
37764 @tab No
37765
37766 @item @samp{QDisableRandomization}
37767 @tab No
37768 @tab @samp{-}
37769 @tab No
37770
37771 @item @samp{EnableDisableTracepoints}
37772 @tab No
37773 @tab @samp{-}
37774 @tab No
37775
37776 @item @samp{QTBuffer:size}
37777 @tab No
37778 @tab @samp{-}
37779 @tab No
37780
37781 @item @samp{tracenz}
37782 @tab No
37783 @tab @samp{-}
37784 @tab No
37785
37786 @item @samp{BreakpointCommands}
37787 @tab No
37788 @tab @samp{-}
37789 @tab No
37790
37791 @item @samp{swbreak}
37792 @tab No
37793 @tab @samp{-}
37794 @tab No
37795
37796 @item @samp{hwbreak}
37797 @tab No
37798 @tab @samp{-}
37799 @tab No
37800
37801 @item @samp{fork-events}
37802 @tab No
37803 @tab @samp{-}
37804 @tab No
37805
37806 @item @samp{vfork-events}
37807 @tab No
37808 @tab @samp{-}
37809 @tab No
37810
37811 @item @samp{exec-events}
37812 @tab No
37813 @tab @samp{-}
37814 @tab No
37815
37816 @item @samp{QThreadEvents}
37817 @tab No
37818 @tab @samp{-}
37819 @tab No
37820
37821 @item @samp{no-resumed}
37822 @tab No
37823 @tab @samp{-}
37824 @tab No
37825
37826 @end multitable
37827
37828 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
37829
37830 @table @samp
37831 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
37832 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
37833 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
37834 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
37835 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
37836 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
37837 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
37838 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
37839 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
37840 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
37841
37842 @item qXfer:auxv:read
37843 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
37844 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
37845
37846 @item qXfer:btrace:read
37847 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
37848 packet (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}).
37849
37850 @item qXfer:btrace-conf:read
37851 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
37852 packet (@pxref{qXfer btrace-conf read}).
37853
37854 @item qXfer:exec-file:read
37855 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:exec-file:read} packet
37856 (@pxref{qXfer executable filename read}).
37857
37858 @item qXfer:features:read
37859 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
37860 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
37861
37862 @item qXfer:libraries:read
37863 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
37864 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
37865
37866 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read
37867 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
37868 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
37869
37870 @item augmented-libraries-svr4-read
37871 The remote stub understands the augmented form of the
37872 @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
37873 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
37874
37875 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
37876 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
37877 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
37878
37879 @item qXfer:sdata:read
37880 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:sdata:read} packet
37881 (@pxref{qXfer sdata read}).
37882
37883 @item qXfer:spu:read
37884 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
37885 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
37886
37887 @item qXfer:spu:write
37888 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
37889 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
37890
37891 @item qXfer:siginfo:read
37892 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
37893 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
37894
37895 @item qXfer:siginfo:write
37896 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
37897 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
37898
37899 @item qXfer:threads:read
37900 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
37901 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}).
37902
37903 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read
37904 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
37905 packet (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}).
37906
37907 @item qXfer:uib:read
37908 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
37909 packet (@pxref{qXfer unwind info block}).
37910
37911 @item qXfer:fdpic:read
37912 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
37913 packet (@pxref{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}).
37914
37915 @item QNonStop
37916 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
37917 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
37918
37919 @item QCatchSyscalls
37920 The remote stub understands the @samp{QCatchSyscalls} packet
37921 (@pxref{QCatchSyscalls}).
37922
37923 @item QPassSignals
37924 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
37925 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
37926
37927 @item QStartNoAckMode
37928 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
37929 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
37930
37931 @item multiprocess
37932 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
37933 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
37934 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
37935 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
37936 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
37937 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
37938 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
37939 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
37940 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
37941 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
37942 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
37943
37944 @item qXfer:osdata:read
37945 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
37946 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
37947
37948 @item ConditionalBreakpoints
37949 The target accepts and implements evaluation of conditional expressions
37950 defined for breakpoints. The target will only report breakpoint triggers
37951 when such conditions are true (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
37952
37953 @item ConditionalTracepoints
37954 The remote stub accepts and implements conditional expressions defined
37955 for tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoint Conditions}).
37956
37957 @item ReverseContinue
37958 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse continue packet
37959 (@pxref{bc}).
37960
37961 @item ReverseStep
37962 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse step packet
37963 (@pxref{bs}).
37964
37965 @item TracepointSource
37966 The remote stub understands the @samp{QTDPsrc} packet that supplies
37967 the source form of tracepoint definitions.
37968
37969 @item QAgent
37970 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAgent} packet.
37971
37972 @item QAllow
37973 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAllow} packet.
37974
37975 @item QDisableRandomization
37976 The remote stub understands the @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet.
37977
37978 @item StaticTracepoint
37979 @cindex static tracepoints, in remote protocol
37980 The remote stub supports static tracepoints.
37981
37982 @item InstallInTrace
37983 @anchor{install tracepoint in tracing}
37984 The remote stub supports installing tracepoint in tracing.
37985
37986 @item EnableDisableTracepoints
37987 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTEnable} (@pxref{QTEnable}) and
37988 @samp{QTDisable} (@pxref{QTDisable}) packets that allow tracepoints
37989 to be enabled and disabled while a trace experiment is running.
37990
37991 @item QTBuffer:size
37992 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTBuffer:size} (@pxref{QTBuffer-size})
37993 packet that allows to change the size of the trace buffer.
37994
37995 @item tracenz
37996 @cindex string tracing, in remote protocol
37997 The remote stub supports the @samp{tracenz} bytecode for collecting strings.
37998 See @ref{Bytecode Descriptions} for details about the bytecode.
37999
38000 @item BreakpointCommands
38001 @cindex breakpoint commands, in remote protocol
38002 The remote stub supports running a breakpoint's command list itself,
38003 rather than reporting the hit to @value{GDBN}.
38004
38005 @item Qbtrace:off
38006 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:off} packet.
38007
38008 @item Qbtrace:bts
38009 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:bts} packet.
38010
38011 @item Qbtrace:pt
38012 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:pt} packet.
38013
38014 @item Qbtrace-conf:bts:size
38015 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace-conf:bts:size} packet.
38016
38017 @item Qbtrace-conf:pt:size
38018 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace-conf:pt:size} packet.
38019
38020 @item swbreak
38021 The remote stub reports the @samp{swbreak} stop reason for memory
38022 breakpoints.
38023
38024 @item hwbreak
38025 The remote stub reports the @samp{hwbreak} stop reason for hardware
38026 breakpoints.
38027
38028 @item fork-events
38029 The remote stub reports the @samp{fork} stop reason for fork events.
38030
38031 @item vfork-events
38032 The remote stub reports the @samp{vfork} stop reason for vfork events
38033 and vforkdone events.
38034
38035 @item exec-events
38036 The remote stub reports the @samp{exec} stop reason for exec events.
38037
38038 @item vContSupported
38039 The remote stub reports the supported actions in the reply to
38040 @samp{vCont?} packet.
38041
38042 @item QThreadEvents
38043 The remote stub understands the @samp{QThreadEvents} packet.
38044
38045 @item no-resumed
38046 The remote stub reports the @samp{N} stop reply.
38047
38048 @end table
38049
38050 @item qSymbol::
38051 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
38052 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
38053 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
38054 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
38055
38056 Reply:
38057 @table @samp
38058 @item OK
38059 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
38060 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
38061 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
38062 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
38063 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
38064 below.
38065 @end table
38066
38067 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
38068 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
38069
38070 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
38071 target has previously requested.
38072
38073 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
38074 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
38075 will be empty.
38076
38077 Reply:
38078 @table @samp
38079 @item OK
38080 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
38081 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
38082 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
38083 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
38084 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
38085 @end table
38086
38087 @item qTBuffer
38088 @itemx QTBuffer
38089 @itemx QTDisconnected
38090 @itemx QTDP
38091 @itemx QTDPsrc
38092 @itemx QTDV
38093 @itemx qTfP
38094 @itemx qTfV
38095 @itemx QTFrame
38096 @itemx qTMinFTPILen
38097
38098 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
38099
38100 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
38101 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
38102 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
38103 Obtain from the target OS a printable string description of thread
38104 attributes for the thread @var{thread-id}; see @ref{thread-id syntax},
38105 for the forms of @var{thread-id}. This
38106 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
38107 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
38108 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
38109 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
38110 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
38111
38112 Reply:
38113 @table @samp
38114 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
38115 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
38116 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
38117 the thread's attributes.
38118 @end table
38119
38120 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
38121 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
38122 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
38123 packets.)
38124
38125 @item QTNotes
38126 @itemx qTP
38127 @itemx QTSave
38128 @itemx qTsP
38129 @itemx qTsV
38130 @itemx QTStart
38131 @itemx QTStop
38132 @itemx QTEnable
38133 @itemx QTDisable
38134 @itemx QTinit
38135 @itemx QTro
38136 @itemx qTStatus
38137 @itemx qTV
38138 @itemx qTfSTM
38139 @itemx qTsSTM
38140 @itemx qTSTMat
38141 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
38142
38143 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38144 @cindex read special object, remote request
38145 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
38146 @anchor{qXfer read}
38147 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
38148 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
38149 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
38150 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
38151 additional details about what data to access.
38152
38153 Reply:
38154 @table @samp
38155 @item m @var{data}
38156 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
38157 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
38158 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
38159 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
38160 It is possible for @var{data} to have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
38161 request.
38162
38163 @item l @var{data}
38164 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
38165 There is no more data to be read. It is possible for @var{data} to
38166 have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the request.
38167
38168 @item l
38169 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
38170 There is no more data to be read.
38171
38172 @item E00
38173 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
38174
38175 @item E @var{nn}
38176 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
38177 The @var{nn} part is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
38178
38179 @item @w{}
38180 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
38181 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
38182 @end table
38183
38184 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All the
38185 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
38186 formats, listed above.
38187
38188 @table @samp
38189 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38190 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
38191 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
38192 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
38193
38194 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38195 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38196
38197 @item qXfer:btrace:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38198 @anchor{qXfer btrace read}
38199
38200 Return a description of the current branch trace.
38201 @xref{Branch Trace Format}. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer}
38202 packet may have one of the following values:
38203
38204 @table @code
38205 @item all
38206 Returns all available branch trace.
38207
38208 @item new
38209 Returns all available branch trace if the branch trace changed since
38210 the last read request.
38211
38212 @item delta
38213 Returns the new branch trace since the last read request. Adds a new
38214 block to the end of the trace that begins at zero and ends at the source
38215 location of the first branch in the trace buffer. This extra block is
38216 used to stitch traces together.
38217
38218 If the trace buffer overflowed, returns an error indicating the overflow.
38219 @end table
38220
38221 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it
38222 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38223
38224 @item qXfer:btrace-conf:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38225 @anchor{qXfer btrace-conf read}
38226
38227 Return a description of the current branch trace configuration.
38228 @xref{Branch Trace Configuration Format}.
38229
38230 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it
38231 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38232
38233 @item qXfer:exec-file:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38234 @anchor{qXfer executable filename read}
38235 Return the full absolute name of the file that was executed to create
38236 a process running on the remote system. The annex specifies the
38237 numeric process ID of the process to query, encoded as a hexadecimal
38238 number. If the annex part is empty the remote stub should return the
38239 filename corresponding to the currently executing process.
38240
38241 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38242 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38243
38244 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38245 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
38246 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
38247 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
38248 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
38249
38250 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38251 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38252
38253 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38254 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
38255 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
38256 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
38257 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
38258
38259 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
38260 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
38261 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
38262
38263 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38264 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38265
38266 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38267 @anchor{qXfer svr4 library list read}
38268 Access the target's list of loaded libraries when the target is an SVR4
38269 platform. @xref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets}. The annex part
38270 of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty unless the remote
38271 stub indicated it supports the augmented form of this packet
38272 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
38273 (@pxref{qXfer read}, @ref{qSupported}).
38274
38275 This packet is optional for better performance on SVR4 targets.
38276 @value{GDBN} uses memory read packets to read the SVR4 library list otherwise.
38277
38278 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38279 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38280
38281 If the remote stub indicates it supports the augmented form of this
38282 packet then the annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet may
38283 contain a semicolon-separated list of @samp{@var{name}=@var{value}}
38284 arguments. The currently supported arguments are:
38285
38286 @table @code
38287 @item start=@var{address}
38288 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
38289 link_map} to start reading the library list from. If unset or zero
38290 then the first @samp{struct link_map} in the library list will be
38291 chosen as the starting point.
38292
38293 @item prev=@var{address}
38294 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
38295 link_map} immediately preceding the @samp{struct link_map}
38296 specified by the @samp{start} argument. If unset or zero then
38297 the remote stub will expect that no @samp{struct link_map}
38298 exists prior to the starting point.
38299
38300 @end table
38301
38302 Arguments that are not understood by the remote stub will be silently
38303 ignored.
38304
38305 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38306 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
38307 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
38308 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
38309 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
38310
38311 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38312 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38313
38314 @item qXfer:sdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38315 @anchor{qXfer sdata read}
38316
38317 Read contents of the extra collected static tracepoint marker
38318 information. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must
38319 be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}). @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint
38320 Action Lists}.
38321
38322 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38323 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
38324 (@pxref{qSupported}).
38325
38326 @item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38327 @anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
38328 Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
38329 system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
38330 empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
38331
38332 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38333 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
38334 (@pxref{qSupported}).
38335
38336 @item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38337 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
38338 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
38339 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
38340 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
38341 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
38342 in that context to be accessed.
38343
38344 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38345 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
38346 (@pxref{qSupported}).
38347
38348 @item qXfer:threads:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38349 @anchor{qXfer threads read}
38350 Access the list of threads on target. @xref{Thread List Format}. The
38351 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
38352 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
38353
38354 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38355 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38356
38357 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38358 @anchor{qXfer traceframe info read}
38359
38360 Return a description of the current traceframe's contents.
38361 @xref{Traceframe Info Format}. The annex part of the generic
38362 @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
38363
38364 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38365 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38366
38367 @item qXfer:uib:read:@var{pc}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38368 @anchor{qXfer unwind info block}
38369
38370 Return the unwind information block for @var{pc}. This packet is used
38371 on OpenVMS/ia64 to ask the kernel unwind information.
38372
38373 This packet is not probed by default.
38374
38375 @item qXfer:fdpic:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38376 @anchor{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}
38377 Read contents of @code{loadmap}s on the target system. The
38378 annex, either @samp{exec} or @samp{interp}, specifies which @code{loadmap},
38379 executable @code{loadmap} or interpreter @code{loadmap} to read.
38380
38381 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38382 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38383
38384 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38385 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
38386 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
38387 @xref{Operating System Information}.
38388
38389 @end table
38390
38391 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
38392 @cindex write data into object, remote request
38393 @anchor{qXfer write}
38394 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
38395 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
38396 into the data. The binary-encoded data (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be
38397 written is given by @var{data}@dots{}. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
38398 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
38399 to access.
38400
38401 Reply:
38402 @table @samp
38403 @item @var{nn}
38404 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
38405 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
38406
38407 @item E00
38408 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
38409
38410 @item E @var{nn}
38411 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
38412 The @var{nn} part is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
38413
38414 @item @w{}
38415 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
38416 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
38417 @end table
38418
38419 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All the
38420 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
38421 formats, listed above.
38422
38423 @table @samp
38424 @item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
38425 @anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
38426 Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
38427 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
38428 empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
38429
38430 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38431 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
38432 (@pxref{qSupported}).
38433
38434 @item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
38435 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
38436 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
38437 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
38438 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
38439 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
38440 in that context to be accessed.
38441
38442 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38443 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38444 @end table
38445
38446 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
38447 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
38448 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
38449 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
38450 must respond with an empty packet.
38451
38452 @item qAttached:@var{pid}
38453 @cindex query attached, remote request
38454 @cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
38455 Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
38456 existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
38457 protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
38458 @var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
38459 process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
38460 the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
38461
38462 This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
38463 should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
38464 the @code{quit} command.
38465
38466 Reply:
38467 @table @samp
38468 @item 1
38469 The remote server attached to an existing process.
38470 @item 0
38471 The remote server created a new process.
38472 @item E @var{NN}
38473 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
38474 @end table
38475
38476 @item Qbtrace:bts
38477 Enable branch tracing for the current thread using Branch Trace Store.
38478
38479 Reply:
38480 @table @samp
38481 @item OK
38482 Branch tracing has been enabled.
38483 @item E.errtext
38484 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
38485 @end table
38486
38487 @item Qbtrace:pt
38488 Enable branch tracing for the current thread using Intel Processor Trace.
38489
38490 Reply:
38491 @table @samp
38492 @item OK
38493 Branch tracing has been enabled.
38494 @item E.errtext
38495 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
38496 @end table
38497
38498 @item Qbtrace:off
38499 Disable branch tracing for the current thread.
38500
38501 Reply:
38502 @table @samp
38503 @item OK
38504 Branch tracing has been disabled.
38505 @item E.errtext
38506 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
38507 @end table
38508
38509 @item Qbtrace-conf:bts:size=@var{value}
38510 Set the requested ring buffer size for new threads that use the
38511 btrace recording method in bts format.
38512
38513 Reply:
38514 @table @samp
38515 @item OK
38516 The ring buffer size has been set.
38517 @item E.errtext
38518 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
38519 @end table
38520
38521 @item Qbtrace-conf:pt:size=@var{value}
38522 Set the requested ring buffer size for new threads that use the
38523 btrace recording method in pt format.
38524
38525 Reply:
38526 @table @samp
38527 @item OK
38528 The ring buffer size has been set.
38529 @item E.errtext
38530 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
38531 @end table
38532
38533 @end table
38534
38535 @node Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
38536 @section Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
38537
38538 This section describes how the remote protocol is applied to specific
38539 target architectures. Also see @ref{Standard Target Features}, for
38540 details of XML target descriptions for each architecture.
38541
38542 @menu
38543 * ARM-Specific Protocol Details::
38544 * MIPS-Specific Protocol Details::
38545 @end menu
38546
38547 @node ARM-Specific Protocol Details
38548 @subsection @acronym{ARM}-specific Protocol Details
38549
38550 @menu
38551 * ARM Breakpoint Kinds::
38552 @end menu
38553
38554 @node ARM Breakpoint Kinds
38555 @subsubsection @acronym{ARM} Breakpoint Kinds
38556 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{ARM}
38557
38558 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
38559
38560 @table @r
38561
38562 @item 2
38563 16-bit Thumb mode breakpoint.
38564
38565 @item 3
38566 32-bit Thumb mode (Thumb-2) breakpoint.
38567
38568 @item 4
38569 32-bit @acronym{ARM} mode breakpoint.
38570
38571 @end table
38572
38573 @node MIPS-Specific Protocol Details
38574 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}-specific Protocol Details
38575
38576 @menu
38577 * MIPS Register packet Format::
38578 * MIPS Breakpoint Kinds::
38579 @end menu
38580
38581 @node MIPS Register packet Format
38582 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Register Packet Format
38583 @cindex register packet format, @acronym{MIPS}
38584
38585 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
38586 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
38587 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
38588 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
38589 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
38590 most-significant -- least-significant.
38591
38592 @table @r
38593
38594 @item MIPS32
38595 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
38596 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
38597 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
38598
38599 @item MIPS64
38600 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
38601 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
38602 as @code{MIPS32}.
38603
38604 @end table
38605
38606 @node MIPS Breakpoint Kinds
38607 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Breakpoint Kinds
38608 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{MIPS}
38609
38610 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
38611
38612 @table @r
38613
38614 @item 2
38615 16-bit @acronym{MIPS16} mode breakpoint.
38616
38617 @item 3
38618 16-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
38619
38620 @item 4
38621 32-bit standard @acronym{MIPS} mode breakpoint.
38622
38623 @item 5
38624 32-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
38625
38626 @end table
38627
38628 @node Tracepoint Packets
38629 @section Tracepoint Packets
38630 @cindex tracepoint packets
38631 @cindex packets, tracepoint
38632
38633 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
38634 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
38635
38636 @table @samp
38637
38638 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}[:F@var{flen}][:X@var{len},@var{bytes}]@r{[}-@r{]}
38639 @cindex @samp{QTDP} packet
38640 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
38641 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
38642 the tracepoint is disabled. The @var{step} gives the tracepoint's step
38643 count, and @var{pass} gives its pass count. If an @samp{F} is present,
38644 then the tracepoint is to be a fast tracepoint, and the @var{flen} is
38645 the number of bytes that the target should copy elsewhere to make room
38646 for the tracepoint. If an @samp{X} is present, it introduces a
38647 tracepoint condition, which consists of a hexadecimal length, followed
38648 by a comma and hex-encoded bytes, in a manner similar to action
38649 encodings as described below. If the trailing @samp{-} is present,
38650 further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this tracepoint's
38651 actions.
38652
38653 Replies:
38654 @table @samp
38655 @item OK
38656 The packet was understood and carried out.
38657 @item qRelocInsn
38658 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
38659 @item @w{}
38660 The packet was not recognized.
38661 @end table
38662
38663 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
38664 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. The @var{n} and
38665 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
38666 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
38667 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
38668 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
38669 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
38670
38671 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
38672 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
38673 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
38674 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
38675 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
38676 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
38677 tracepoint actions.
38678
38679 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
38680 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
38681 following forms:
38682
38683 @table @samp
38684
38685 @item R @var{mask}
38686 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask},
38687 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
38688 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
38689 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
38690 not fit in a 32-bit word.
38691
38692 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
38693 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
38694 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
38695 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
38696 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
38697 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
38698 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
38699
38700 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
38701 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
38702 it directs. The agent expression @var{expr} is as described in
38703 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
38704 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
38705 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
38706 packet).
38707
38708 @end table
38709
38710 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
38711 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
38712 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
38713 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
38714 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
38715 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
38716 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
38717 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
38718
38719 Replies:
38720 @table @samp
38721 @item OK
38722 The packet was understood and carried out.
38723 @item qRelocInsn
38724 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
38725 @item @w{}
38726 The packet was not recognized.
38727 @end table
38728
38729 @item QTDPsrc:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{type}:@var{start}:@var{slen}:@var{bytes}
38730 @cindex @samp{QTDPsrc} packet
38731 Specify a source string of tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr}.
38732 This is useful to get accurate reproduction of the tracepoints
38733 originally downloaded at the beginning of the trace run. The @var{type}
38734 is the name of the tracepoint part, such as @samp{cond} for the
38735 tracepoint's conditional expression (see below for a list of types), while
38736 @var{bytes} is the string, encoded in hexadecimal.
38737
38738 @var{start} is the offset of the @var{bytes} within the overall source
38739 string, while @var{slen} is the total length of the source string.
38740 This is intended for handling source strings that are longer than will
38741 fit in a single packet.
38742 @c Add detailed example when this info is moved into a dedicated
38743 @c tracepoint descriptions section.
38744
38745 The available string types are @samp{at} for the location,
38746 @samp{cond} for the conditional, and @samp{cmd} for an action command.
38747 @value{GDBN} sends a separate packet for each command in the action
38748 list, in the same order in which the commands are stored in the list.
38749
38750 The target does not need to do anything with source strings except
38751 report them back as part of the replies to the @samp{qTfP}/@samp{qTsP}
38752 query packets.
38753
38754 Although this packet is optional, and @value{GDBN} will only send it
38755 if the target replies with @samp{TracepointSource} @xref{General
38756 Query Packets}, it makes both disconnected tracing and trace files
38757 much easier to use. Otherwise the user must be careful that the
38758 tracepoints in effect while looking at trace frames are identical to
38759 the ones in effect during the trace run; even a small discrepancy
38760 could cause @samp{tdump} not to work, or a particular trace frame not
38761 be found.
38762
38763 @item QTDV:@var{n}:@var{value}:@var{builtin}:@var{name}
38764 @cindex define trace state variable, remote request
38765 @cindex @samp{QTDV} packet
38766 Create a new trace state variable, number @var{n}, with an initial
38767 value of @var{value}, which is a 64-bit signed integer. Both @var{n}
38768 and @var{value} are encoded as hexadecimal values. @value{GDBN} has
38769 the option of not using this packet for initial values of zero; the
38770 target should simply create the trace state variables as they are
38771 mentioned in expressions. The value @var{builtin} should be 1 (one)
38772 if the trace state variable is builtin and 0 (zero) if it is not builtin.
38773 @value{GDBN} only sets @var{builtin} to 1 if a previous @samp{qTfV} or
38774 @samp{qTsV} packet had it set. The contents of @var{name} is the
38775 hex-encoded name (without the leading @samp{$}) of the trace state
38776 variable.
38777
38778 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
38779 @cindex @samp{QTFrame} packet
38780 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
38781 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
38782 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
38783
38784 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
38785 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
38786 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
38787 one of the following forms:
38788
38789 @table @samp
38790 @item F @var{f}
38791 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
38792 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
38793 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
38794
38795 @item T @var{t}
38796 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
38797 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
38798
38799 @end table
38800
38801 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
38802 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
38803 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
38804 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
38805
38806 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
38807 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
38808 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
38809 is a hexadecimal number.
38810
38811 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
38812 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
38813 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
38814 and @var{end} (inclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
38815 numbers.
38816
38817 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
38818 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
38819 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses (exclusive).
38820
38821 @item qTMinFTPILen
38822 @cindex @samp{qTMinFTPILen} packet
38823 This packet requests the minimum length of instruction at which a fast
38824 tracepoint (@pxref{Set Tracepoints}) may be placed. For instance, on
38825 the 32-bit x86 architecture, it is possible to use a 4-byte jump, but
38826 it depends on the target system being able to create trampolines in
38827 the first 64K of memory, which might or might not be possible for that
38828 system. So the reply to this packet will be 4 if it is able to
38829 arrange for that.
38830
38831 Replies:
38832
38833 @table @samp
38834 @item 0
38835 The minimum instruction length is currently unknown.
38836 @item @var{length}
38837 The minimum instruction length is @var{length}, where @var{length}
38838 is a hexadecimal number greater or equal to 1. A reply
38839 of 1 means that a fast tracepoint may be placed on any instruction
38840 regardless of size.
38841 @item E
38842 An error has occurred.
38843 @item @w{}
38844 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the stub.
38845 @end table
38846
38847 @item QTStart
38848 @cindex @samp{QTStart} packet
38849 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from
38850 tracepoint hits in the trace frame buffer. This packet supports the
38851 @samp{qRelocInsn} reply (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
38852 instruction reply packet}).
38853
38854 @item QTStop
38855 @cindex @samp{QTStop} packet
38856 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
38857
38858 @item QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
38859 @anchor{QTEnable}
38860 @cindex @samp{QTEnable} packet
38861 Enable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
38862 experiment. If the tracepoint was previously disabled, then collection
38863 of data from it will resume.
38864
38865 @item QTDisable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
38866 @anchor{QTDisable}
38867 @cindex @samp{QTDisable} packet
38868 Disable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
38869 experiment. No more data will be collected from the tracepoint unless
38870 @samp{QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}} is subsequently issued.
38871
38872 @item QTinit
38873 @cindex @samp{QTinit} packet
38874 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
38875
38876 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
38877 @cindex @samp{QTro} packet
38878 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
38879 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
38880 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
38881
38882 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
38883 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
38884 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
38885 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
38886
38887 @item QTDisconnected:@var{value}
38888 @cindex @samp{QTDisconnected} packet
38889 Set the choice to what to do with the tracing run when @value{GDBN}
38890 disconnects from the target. A @var{value} of 1 directs the target to
38891 continue the tracing run, while 0 tells the target to stop tracing if
38892 @value{GDBN} is no longer in the picture.
38893
38894 @item qTStatus
38895 @cindex @samp{qTStatus} packet
38896 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
38897
38898 The reply has the form:
38899
38900 @table @samp
38901
38902 @item T@var{running}@r{[};@var{field}@r{]}@dots{}
38903 @var{running} is a single digit @code{1} if the trace is presently
38904 running, or @code{0} if not. It is followed by semicolon-separated
38905 optional fields that an agent may use to report additional status.
38906
38907 @end table
38908
38909 If the trace is not running, the agent may report any of several
38910 explanations as one of the optional fields:
38911
38912 @table @samp
38913
38914 @item tnotrun:0
38915 No trace has been run yet.
38916
38917 @item tstop[:@var{text}]:0
38918 The trace was stopped by a user-originated stop command. The optional
38919 @var{text} field is a user-supplied string supplied as part of the
38920 stop command (for instance, an explanation of why the trace was
38921 stopped manually). It is hex-encoded.
38922
38923 @item tfull:0
38924 The trace stopped because the trace buffer filled up.
38925
38926 @item tdisconnected:0
38927 The trace stopped because @value{GDBN} disconnected from the target.
38928
38929 @item tpasscount:@var{tpnum}
38930 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} exceeded its pass count.
38931
38932 @item terror:@var{text}:@var{tpnum}
38933 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} had an error. The
38934 string @var{text} is available to describe the nature of the error
38935 (for instance, a divide by zero in the condition expression); it
38936 is hex encoded.
38937
38938 @item tunknown:0
38939 The trace stopped for some other reason.
38940
38941 @end table
38942
38943 Additional optional fields supply statistical and other information.
38944 Although not required, they are extremely useful for users monitoring
38945 the progress of a trace run. If a trace has stopped, and these
38946 numbers are reported, they must reflect the state of the just-stopped
38947 trace.
38948
38949 @table @samp
38950
38951 @item tframes:@var{n}
38952 The number of trace frames in the buffer.
38953
38954 @item tcreated:@var{n}
38955 The total number of trace frames created during the run. This may
38956 be larger than the trace frame count, if the buffer is circular.
38957
38958 @item tsize:@var{n}
38959 The total size of the trace buffer, in bytes.
38960
38961 @item tfree:@var{n}
38962 The number of bytes still unused in the buffer.
38963
38964 @item circular:@var{n}
38965 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
38966 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
38967 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
38968 and may fill up.
38969
38970 @item disconn:@var{n}
38971 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
38972 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
38973 that the trace run will stop.
38974
38975 @end table
38976
38977 @item qTP:@var{tp}:@var{addr}
38978 @cindex tracepoint status, remote request
38979 @cindex @samp{qTP} packet
38980 Ask the stub for the current state of tracepoint number @var{tp} at
38981 address @var{addr}.
38982
38983 Replies:
38984 @table @samp
38985 @item V@var{hits}:@var{usage}
38986 The tracepoint has been hit @var{hits} times so far during the trace
38987 run, and accounts for @var{usage} in the trace buffer. Note that
38988 @code{while-stepping} steps are not counted as separate hits, but the
38989 steps' space consumption is added into the usage number.
38990
38991 @end table
38992
38993 @item qTV:@var{var}
38994 @cindex trace state variable value, remote request
38995 @cindex @samp{qTV} packet
38996 Ask the stub for the value of the trace state variable number @var{var}.
38997
38998 Replies:
38999 @table @samp
39000 @item V@var{value}
39001 The value of the variable is @var{value}. This will be the current
39002 value of the variable if the user is examining a running target, or a
39003 saved value if the variable was collected in the trace frame that the
39004 user is looking at. Note that multiple requests may result in
39005 different reply values, such as when requesting values while the
39006 program is running.
39007
39008 @item U
39009 The value of the variable is unknown. This would occur, for example,
39010 if the user is examining a trace frame in which the requested variable
39011 was not collected.
39012 @end table
39013
39014 @item qTfP
39015 @cindex @samp{qTfP} packet
39016 @itemx qTsP
39017 @cindex @samp{qTsP} packet
39018 These packets request data about tracepoints that are being used by
39019 the target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfP} to get the first piece
39020 of data, and multiple @code{qTsP} to get additional pieces. Replies
39021 to these packets generally take the form of the @code{QTDP} packets
39022 that define tracepoints. (FIXME add detailed syntax)
39023
39024 @item qTfV
39025 @cindex @samp{qTfV} packet
39026 @itemx qTsV
39027 @cindex @samp{qTsV} packet
39028 These packets request data about trace state variables that are on the
39029 target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfV} to get the first vari of data,
39030 and multiple @code{qTsV} to get additional variables. Replies to
39031 these packets follow the syntax of the @code{QTDV} packets that define
39032 trace state variables.
39033
39034 @item qTfSTM
39035 @itemx qTsSTM
39036 @anchor{qTfSTM}
39037 @anchor{qTsSTM}
39038 @cindex @samp{qTfSTM} packet
39039 @cindex @samp{qTsSTM} packet
39040 These packets request data about static tracepoint markers that exist
39041 in the target program. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfSTM} to get the
39042 first piece of data, and multiple @code{qTsSTM} to get additional
39043 pieces. Replies to these packets take the following form:
39044
39045 Reply:
39046 @table @samp
39047 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}
39048 A single marker
39049 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra},@var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}@dots{}
39050 a comma-separated list of markers
39051 @item l
39052 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
39053 @item E @var{nn}
39054 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
39055 @item @w{}
39056 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the
39057 stub.
39058 @end table
39059
39060 The @var{address} is encoded in hex;
39061 @var{id} and @var{extra} are strings encoded in hex.
39062
39063 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
39064 more markers, separated by commas. @value{GDBN} will respond to each
39065 reply with a request for more markers (using the @samp{qs} form of the
39066 query), until the target responds with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for
39067 @dfn{last}).
39068
39069 @item qTSTMat:@var{address}
39070 @anchor{qTSTMat}
39071 @cindex @samp{qTSTMat} packet
39072 This packets requests data about static tracepoint markers in the
39073 target program at @var{address}. Replies to this packet follow the
39074 syntax of the @samp{qTfSTM} and @code{qTsSTM} packets that list static
39075 tracepoint markers.
39076
39077 @item QTSave:@var{filename}
39078 @cindex @samp{QTSave} packet
39079 This packet directs the target to save trace data to the file name
39080 @var{filename} in the target's filesystem. The @var{filename} is encoded
39081 as a hex string; the interpretation of the file name (relative vs
39082 absolute, wild cards, etc) is up to the target.
39083
39084 @item qTBuffer:@var{offset},@var{len}
39085 @cindex @samp{qTBuffer} packet
39086 Return up to @var{len} bytes of the current contents of trace buffer,
39087 starting at @var{offset}. The trace buffer is treated as if it were
39088 a contiguous collection of traceframes, as per the trace file format.
39089 The reply consists as many hex-encoded bytes as the target can deliver
39090 in a packet; it is not an error to return fewer than were asked for.
39091 A reply consisting of just @code{l} indicates that no bytes are
39092 available.
39093
39094 @item QTBuffer:circular:@var{value}
39095 This packet directs the target to use a circular trace buffer if
39096 @var{value} is 1, or a linear buffer if the value is 0.
39097
39098 @item QTBuffer:size:@var{size}
39099 @anchor{QTBuffer-size}
39100 @cindex @samp{QTBuffer size} packet
39101 This packet directs the target to make the trace buffer be of size
39102 @var{size} if possible. A value of @code{-1} tells the target to
39103 use whatever size it prefers.
39104
39105 @item QTNotes:@r{[}@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@r{[};@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@dots{}
39106 @cindex @samp{QTNotes} packet
39107 This packet adds optional textual notes to the trace run. Allowable
39108 types include @code{user}, @code{notes}, and @code{tstop}, the
39109 @var{text} fields are arbitrary strings, hex-encoded.
39110
39111 @end table
39112
39113 @subsection Relocate instruction reply packet
39114 When installing fast tracepoints in memory, the target may need to
39115 relocate the instruction currently at the tracepoint address to a
39116 different address in memory. For most instructions, a simple copy is
39117 enough, but, for example, call instructions that implicitly push the
39118 return address on the stack, and relative branches or other
39119 PC-relative instructions require offset adjustment, so that the effect
39120 of executing the instruction at a different address is the same as if
39121 it had executed in the original location.
39122
39123 In response to several of the tracepoint packets, the target may also
39124 respond with a number of intermediate @samp{qRelocInsn} request
39125 packets before the final result packet, to have @value{GDBN} handle
39126 this relocation operation. If a packet supports this mechanism, its
39127 documentation will explicitly say so. See for example the above
39128 descriptions for the @samp{QTStart} and @samp{QTDP} packets. The
39129 format of the request is:
39130
39131 @table @samp
39132 @item qRelocInsn:@var{from};@var{to}
39133
39134 This requests @value{GDBN} to copy instruction at address @var{from}
39135 to address @var{to}, possibly adjusted so that executing the
39136 instruction at @var{to} has the same effect as executing it at
39137 @var{from}. @value{GDBN} writes the adjusted instruction to target
39138 memory starting at @var{to}.
39139 @end table
39140
39141 Replies:
39142 @table @samp
39143 @item qRelocInsn:@var{adjusted_size}
39144 Informs the stub the relocation is complete. The @var{adjusted_size} is
39145 the length in bytes of resulting relocated instruction sequence.
39146 @item E @var{NN}
39147 A badly formed request was detected, or an error was encountered while
39148 relocating the instruction.
39149 @end table
39150
39151 @node Host I/O Packets
39152 @section Host I/O Packets
39153 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
39154 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
39155
39156 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
39157 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
39158 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
39159 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
39160 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
39161 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
39162 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
39163 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
39164 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
39165 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
39166
39167 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
39168 its arguments. They have this format:
39169
39170 @table @samp
39171
39172 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
39173 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
39174 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
39175 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
39176 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
39177 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
39178 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
39179 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
39180 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
39181
39182 @end table
39183
39184 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
39185
39186 @table @samp
39187
39188 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
39189 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
39190 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
39191 @var{errno} will be included in the result specifying a
39192 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
39193 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
39194 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
39195 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
39196 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
39197 @var{attachment}.
39198
39199 @item @w{}
39200 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
39201
39202 @end table
39203
39204 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
39205
39206 @table @samp
39207 @item vFile:open: @var{filename}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
39208 Open a file at @var{filename} and return a file descriptor for it, or
39209 return -1 if an error occurs. The @var{filename} is a string,
39210 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
39211 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
39212 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
39213 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
39214
39215 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
39216 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
39217 -1 if an error occurs.
39218
39219 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
39220 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
39221 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
39222 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
39223 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
39224 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
39225 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
39226 @var{count} was zero.
39227
39228 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
39229 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
39230 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
39231 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
39232 some characters were escaped.
39233
39234 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
39235 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
39236 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
39237 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
39238 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
39239 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
39240 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
39241 error occurred.
39242
39243 @item vFile:fstat: @var{fd}
39244 Get information about the open file corresponding to @var{fd}.
39245 On success the information is returned as a binary attachment
39246 and the return value is the size of this attachment in bytes.
39247 If an error occurs the return value is -1. The format of the
39248 returned binary attachment is as described in @ref{struct stat}.
39249
39250 @item vFile:unlink: @var{filename}
39251 Delete the file at @var{filename} on the target. Return 0,
39252 or -1 if an error occurs. The @var{filename} is a string.
39253
39254 @item vFile:readlink: @var{filename}
39255 Read value of symbolic link @var{filename} on the target. Return
39256 the number of bytes read, or -1 if an error occurs.
39257
39258 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
39259 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
39260 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
39261 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
39262 some characters were escaped.
39263
39264 @item vFile:setfs: @var{pid}
39265 Select the filesystem on which @code{vFile} operations with
39266 @var{filename} arguments will operate. This is required for
39267 @value{GDBN} to be able to access files on remote targets where
39268 the remote stub does not share a common filesystem with the
39269 inferior(s).
39270
39271 If @var{pid} is nonzero, select the filesystem as seen by process
39272 @var{pid}. If @var{pid} is zero, select the filesystem as seen by
39273 the remote stub. Return 0 on success, or -1 if an error occurs.
39274 If @code{vFile:setfs:} indicates success, the selected filesystem
39275 remains selected until the next successful @code{vFile:setfs:}
39276 operation.
39277
39278 @end table
39279
39280 @node Interrupts
39281 @section Interrupts
39282 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
39283 @anchor{interrupting remote targets}
39284
39285 In all-stop mode, when a program on the remote target is running,
39286 @value{GDBN} may attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C},
39287 @code{BREAK} or a @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}, control of which
39288 is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{interrupt-sequence}.
39289
39290 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
39291 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
39292 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
39293 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
39294 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
39295
39296 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
39297 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
39298 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
39299 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
39300 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
39301 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
39302 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
39303 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
39304
39305 @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g} is also known as Magic SysRq g.
39306 When Linux kernel receives this sequence from serial port,
39307 it stops execution and connects to gdb.
39308
39309 In non-stop mode, because packet resumptions are asynchronous
39310 (@pxref{vCont packet}), @value{GDBN} is always free to send a remote
39311 command to the remote stub, even when the target is running. For that
39312 reason, @value{GDBN} instead sends a regular packet (@pxref{vCtrlC
39313 packet}) with the usual packet framing instead of the single byte
39314 @code{0x03}.
39315
39316 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
39317 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
39318 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
39319 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
39320 currently-executing threads and processes.
39321 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
39322 running program, it should send one of the stop
39323 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
39324 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
39325 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
39326 Interrupts received while the
39327 program is stopped are queued and the program will be interrupted when
39328 it is resumed next time.
39329
39330 @node Notification Packets
39331 @section Notification Packets
39332 @cindex notification packets
39333 @cindex packets, notification
39334
39335 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
39336 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
39337 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
39338 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
39339 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
39340 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
39341 is not a problem.
39342
39343 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
39344 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
39345 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
39346 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
39347 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
39348 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
39349 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
39350
39351 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
39352 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
39353
39354 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
39355 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
39356 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
39357 not they understand it.
39358
39359 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
39360 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
39361 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
39362 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
39363 recipients.
39364
39365 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
39366 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
39367 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
39368 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
39369 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
39370
39371 Each notification is comprised of three parts:
39372 @table @samp
39373 @item @var{name}:@var{event}
39374 The notification packet is sent by the side that initiates the
39375 exchange (currently, only the stub does that), with @var{event}
39376 carrying the specific information about the notification, and
39377 @var{name} specifying the name of the notification.
39378 @item @var{ack}
39379 The acknowledge sent by the other side, usually @value{GDBN}, to
39380 acknowledge the exchange and request the event.
39381 @end table
39382
39383 The purpose of an asynchronous notification mechanism is to report to
39384 @value{GDBN} that something interesting happened in the remote stub.
39385
39386 The remote stub may send notification @var{name}:@var{event}
39387 at any time, but @value{GDBN} acknowledges the notification when
39388 appropriate. The notification event is pending before @value{GDBN}
39389 acknowledges. Only one notification at a time may be pending; if
39390 additional events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
39391 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
39392 synchronous transmission in response to @var{ack} packets from
39393 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
39394 the stub is permitted to resend a notification if it believes
39395 @value{GDBN} may not have received it.
39396
39397 Specifically, notifications may appear when @value{GDBN} is not
39398 otherwise reading input from the stub, or when @value{GDBN} is
39399 expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
39400 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
39401 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
39402 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
39403
39404 After receiving a notification, @value{GDBN} shall acknowledge it by
39405 sending a @var{ack} packet as a regular, synchronous request to the
39406 stub. Such acknowledgment is not required to happen immediately, as
39407 @value{GDBN} is permitted to send other, unrelated packets to the
39408 stub first, which the stub should process normally.
39409
39410 Upon receiving a @var{ack} packet, if the stub has other queued
39411 events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
39412 normal @var{event}. @value{GDBN} shall then send another @var{ack}
39413 packet to solicit further responses; again, it is permitted to send
39414 other, unrelated packets as well which the stub should process
39415 normally.
39416
39417 If the stub receives a @var{ack} packet and there are no additional
39418 @var{event} to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK} response.
39419 At this point, @value{GDBN} has finished processing a notification
39420 and the stub has completed sending any queued events. @value{GDBN}
39421 won't accept any new notifications until the final @samp{OK} is
39422 received . If further notification events occur, the stub shall send
39423 a new notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the notification, and
39424 the process shall be repeated.
39425
39426 The process of asynchronous notification can be illustrated by the
39427 following example:
39428 @smallexample
39429 <- @code{%Stop:T0505:98e7ffbf;04:4ce6ffbf;08:b1b6e54c;thread:p7526.7526;core:0;}
39430 @code{...}
39431 -> @code{vStopped}
39432 <- @code{T0505:68f37db7;04:40f37db7;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7528;core:0;}
39433 -> @code{vStopped}
39434 <- @code{T0505:68e3fdb6;04:40e3fdb6;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7529;core:0;}
39435 -> @code{vStopped}
39436 <- @code{OK}
39437 @end smallexample
39438
39439 The following notifications are defined:
39440 @multitable @columnfractions 0.12 0.12 0.38 0.38
39441
39442 @item Notification
39443 @tab Ack
39444 @tab Event
39445 @tab Description
39446
39447 @item Stop
39448 @tab vStopped
39449 @tab @var{reply}. The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
39450 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
39451 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
39452 @value{GDBN}.
39453 @tab Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
39454
39455 @end multitable
39456
39457 @node Remote Non-Stop
39458 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
39459
39460 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
39461 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
39462 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
39463 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39464
39465 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
39466 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
39467 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
39468 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
39469 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
39470 probe the target state after a mode change.
39471
39472 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
39473 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
39474 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
39475 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
39476 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
39477 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
39478 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
39479 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
39480 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
39481 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
39482 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
39483
39484 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
39485 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
39486 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
39487 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
39488 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
39489 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
39490 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
39491 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
39492 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
39493 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
39494 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
39495 @samp{OK}.
39496
39497 If the stub supports non-stop mode, it should also support the
39498 @samp{swbreak} stop reason if software breakpoints are supported, and
39499 the @samp{hwbreak} stop reason if hardware breakpoints are supported
39500 (@pxref{swbreak stop reason}). This is because given the asynchronous
39501 nature of non-stop mode, between the time a thread hits a breakpoint
39502 and the time the event is finally processed by @value{GDBN}, the
39503 breakpoint may have already been removed from the target. Due to
39504 this, @value{GDBN} needs to be able to tell whether a trap stop was
39505 caused by a delayed breakpoint event, which should be ignored, as
39506 opposed to a random trap signal, which should be reported to the user.
39507 Note the @samp{swbreak} feature implies that the target is responsible
39508 for adjusting the PC when a software breakpoint triggers, if
39509 necessary, such as on the x86 architecture.
39510
39511 @node Packet Acknowledgment
39512 @section Packet Acknowledgment
39513
39514 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
39515 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
39516 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
39517 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
39518 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
39519 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
39520 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
39521
39522 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
39523 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
39524 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
39525 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
39526 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
39527
39528 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
39529 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
39530 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
39531 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
39532
39533 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
39534 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
39535 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
39536 @pxref{qSupported}.
39537 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
39538 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
39539 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
39540 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
39541 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
39542 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
39543 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
39544
39545 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
39546 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
39547 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
39548 connection.
39549 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
39550 new connection is established,
39551 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
39552 for the current connection, once disabled.
39553
39554 @node Examples
39555 @section Examples
39556
39557 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
39558 does not get any direct output:
39559
39560 @smallexample
39561 -> @code{R00}
39562 <- @code{+}
39563 @emph{target restarts}
39564 -> @code{?}
39565 <- @code{+}
39566 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
39567 -> @code{+}
39568 @end smallexample
39569
39570 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
39571
39572 @smallexample
39573 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
39574 <- @code{+}
39575 -> @code{s}
39576 <- @code{+}
39577 @emph{time passes}
39578 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
39579 -> @code{+}
39580 -> @code{g}
39581 <- @code{+}
39582 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
39583 -> @code{+}
39584 @end smallexample
39585
39586 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
39587 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
39588 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
39589
39590 @menu
39591 * File-I/O Overview::
39592 * Protocol Basics::
39593 * The F Request Packet::
39594 * The F Reply Packet::
39595 * The Ctrl-C Message::
39596 * Console I/O::
39597 * List of Supported Calls::
39598 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
39599 * Constants::
39600 * File-I/O Examples::
39601 @end menu
39602
39603 @node File-I/O Overview
39604 @subsection File-I/O Overview
39605 @cindex file-i/o overview
39606
39607 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
39608 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
39609 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
39610 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
39611 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
39612 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
39613
39614 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
39615 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
39616 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
39617 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
39618 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
39619
39620 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
39621 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
39622 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
39623 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
39624 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
39625 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
39626 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
39627
39628 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
39629 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
39630 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
39631 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
39632 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
39633
39634 @smallexample
39635 (@value{GDBP}) continue
39636 <- target requests 'system call X'
39637 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
39638 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
39639 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
39640 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
39641 @end smallexample
39642
39643 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
39644 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
39645 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
39646 system are not supported by this protocol.
39647
39648 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
39649
39650 @node Protocol Basics
39651 @subsection Protocol Basics
39652 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
39653
39654 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
39655 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
39656 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
39657 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
39658 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
39659 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
39660 to call the appropriate host system call:
39661
39662 @itemize @bullet
39663 @item
39664 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
39665
39666 @item
39667 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
39668 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
39669 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
39670 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
39671
39672 @end itemize
39673
39674 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
39675
39676 @itemize @bullet
39677 @item
39678 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
39679 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
39680 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
39681 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
39682 packet.
39683
39684 @item
39685 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
39686 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
39687
39688 @item
39689 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
39690
39691 @item
39692 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
39693
39694 @item
39695 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
39696 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
39697 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
39698 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
39699 packet.
39700
39701 @end itemize
39702
39703 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
39704 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
39705
39706 @itemize @bullet
39707 @item
39708 Return value.
39709
39710 @item
39711 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
39712
39713 @item
39714 ``Ctrl-C'' flag.
39715
39716 @end itemize
39717
39718 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
39719 the latest continue or step action.
39720
39721 @node The F Request Packet
39722 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
39723 @cindex file-i/o request packet
39724 @cindex @code{F} request packet
39725
39726 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
39727
39728 @table @samp
39729 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
39730
39731 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
39732 This is just the name of the function.
39733
39734 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
39735 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
39736 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
39737 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
39738 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
39739 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
39740 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
39741
39742 @end table
39743
39744
39745
39746 @node The F Reply Packet
39747 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
39748 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
39749 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
39750
39751 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
39752
39753 @table @samp
39754
39755 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
39756
39757 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
39758
39759 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
39760 representation.
39761 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
39762
39763 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
39764 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
39765 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
39766
39767 @smallexample
39768 F0,0,C
39769 @end smallexample
39770
39771 @noindent
39772 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
39773
39774 @smallexample
39775 F-1,4,C
39776 @end smallexample
39777
39778 @noindent
39779 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
39780
39781 @end table
39782
39783
39784 @node The Ctrl-C Message
39785 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
39786 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
39787
39788 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
39789 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
39790 the target should behave as if it had
39791 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
39792 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
39793 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
39794 packet.
39795
39796 It's important for the target to know in which
39797 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
39798
39799 @itemize @bullet
39800 @item
39801 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
39802
39803 @item
39804 The system call on the host has been finished.
39805
39806 @end itemize
39807
39808 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
39809 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
39810 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
39811 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
39812 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
39813 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
39814
39815 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
39816 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
39817 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
39818 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
39819 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
39820 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
39821 or the full action has been completed.
39822
39823 @node Console I/O
39824 @subsection Console I/O
39825 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
39826
39827 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
39828 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
39829 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
39830 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
39831 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
39832 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
39833 conditions is met:
39834
39835 @itemize @bullet
39836 @item
39837 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
39838 @code{read}
39839 system call is treated as finished.
39840
39841 @item
39842 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
39843 newline.
39844
39845 @item
39846 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
39847 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
39848
39849 @end itemize
39850
39851 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
39852 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
39853 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
39854 is stopped at the user's request.
39855
39856
39857 @node List of Supported Calls
39858 @subsection List of Supported Calls
39859 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
39860
39861 @menu
39862 * open::
39863 * close::
39864 * read::
39865 * write::
39866 * lseek::
39867 * rename::
39868 * unlink::
39869 * stat/fstat::
39870 * gettimeofday::
39871 * isatty::
39872 * system::
39873 @end menu
39874
39875 @node open
39876 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
39877 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
39878
39879 @table @asis
39880 @item Synopsis:
39881 @smallexample
39882 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
39883 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
39884 @end smallexample
39885
39886 @item Request:
39887 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
39888
39889 @noindent
39890 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
39891
39892 @table @code
39893 @item O_CREAT
39894 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
39895 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
39896 are concerned.
39897
39898 @item O_EXCL
39899 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
39900 an error and open() fails.
39901
39902 @item O_TRUNC
39903 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
39904 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
39905 truncated to zero length.
39906
39907 @item O_APPEND
39908 The file is opened in append mode.
39909
39910 @item O_RDONLY
39911 The file is opened for reading only.
39912
39913 @item O_WRONLY
39914 The file is opened for writing only.
39915
39916 @item O_RDWR
39917 The file is opened for reading and writing.
39918 @end table
39919
39920 @noindent
39921 Other bits are silently ignored.
39922
39923
39924 @noindent
39925 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
39926
39927 @table @code
39928 @item S_IRUSR
39929 User has read permission.
39930
39931 @item S_IWUSR
39932 User has write permission.
39933
39934 @item S_IRGRP
39935 Group has read permission.
39936
39937 @item S_IWGRP
39938 Group has write permission.
39939
39940 @item S_IROTH
39941 Others have read permission.
39942
39943 @item S_IWOTH
39944 Others have write permission.
39945 @end table
39946
39947 @noindent
39948 Other bits are silently ignored.
39949
39950
39951 @item Return value:
39952 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
39953 occurred.
39954
39955 @item Errors:
39956
39957 @table @code
39958 @item EEXIST
39959 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
39960
39961 @item EISDIR
39962 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
39963
39964 @item EACCES
39965 The requested access is not allowed.
39966
39967 @item ENAMETOOLONG
39968 @var{pathname} was too long.
39969
39970 @item ENOENT
39971 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
39972
39973 @item ENODEV
39974 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
39975
39976 @item EROFS
39977 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
39978 write access was requested.
39979
39980 @item EFAULT
39981 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
39982
39983 @item ENOSPC
39984 No space on device to create the file.
39985
39986 @item EMFILE
39987 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
39988
39989 @item ENFILE
39990 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
39991 has been reached.
39992
39993 @item EINTR
39994 The call was interrupted by the user.
39995 @end table
39996
39997 @end table
39998
39999 @node close
40000 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
40001 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
40002
40003 @table @asis
40004 @item Synopsis:
40005 @smallexample
40006 int close(int fd);
40007 @end smallexample
40008
40009 @item Request:
40010 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
40011
40012 @item Return value:
40013 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
40014
40015 @item Errors:
40016
40017 @table @code
40018 @item EBADF
40019 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
40020
40021 @item EINTR
40022 The call was interrupted by the user.
40023 @end table
40024
40025 @end table
40026
40027 @node read
40028 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
40029 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
40030
40031 @table @asis
40032 @item Synopsis:
40033 @smallexample
40034 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
40035 @end smallexample
40036
40037 @item Request:
40038 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
40039
40040 @item Return value:
40041 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
40042 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
40043 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
40044
40045 @item Errors:
40046
40047 @table @code
40048 @item EBADF
40049 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
40050 reading.
40051
40052 @item EFAULT
40053 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
40054
40055 @item EINTR
40056 The call was interrupted by the user.
40057 @end table
40058
40059 @end table
40060
40061 @node write
40062 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
40063 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
40064
40065 @table @asis
40066 @item Synopsis:
40067 @smallexample
40068 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
40069 @end smallexample
40070
40071 @item Request:
40072 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
40073
40074 @item Return value:
40075 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
40076 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
40077 is returned.
40078
40079 @item Errors:
40080
40081 @table @code
40082 @item EBADF
40083 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
40084 writing.
40085
40086 @item EFAULT
40087 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
40088
40089 @item EFBIG
40090 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
40091 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
40092
40093 @item ENOSPC
40094 No space on device to write the data.
40095
40096 @item EINTR
40097 The call was interrupted by the user.
40098 @end table
40099
40100 @end table
40101
40102 @node lseek
40103 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
40104 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
40105
40106 @table @asis
40107 @item Synopsis:
40108 @smallexample
40109 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
40110 @end smallexample
40111
40112 @item Request:
40113 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
40114
40115 @var{flag} is one of:
40116
40117 @table @code
40118 @item SEEK_SET
40119 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
40120
40121 @item SEEK_CUR
40122 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
40123 bytes.
40124
40125 @item SEEK_END
40126 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
40127 bytes.
40128 @end table
40129
40130 @item Return value:
40131 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
40132 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
40133 value of -1 is returned.
40134
40135 @item Errors:
40136
40137 @table @code
40138 @item EBADF
40139 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
40140
40141 @item ESPIPE
40142 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
40143
40144 @item EINVAL
40145 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
40146
40147 @item EINTR
40148 The call was interrupted by the user.
40149 @end table
40150
40151 @end table
40152
40153 @node rename
40154 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
40155 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
40156
40157 @table @asis
40158 @item Synopsis:
40159 @smallexample
40160 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
40161 @end smallexample
40162
40163 @item Request:
40164 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
40165
40166 @item Return value:
40167 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
40168
40169 @item Errors:
40170
40171 @table @code
40172 @item EISDIR
40173 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
40174 directory.
40175
40176 @item EEXIST
40177 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
40178
40179 @item EBUSY
40180 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
40181 process.
40182
40183 @item EINVAL
40184 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
40185 of itself.
40186
40187 @item ENOTDIR
40188 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
40189 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
40190 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
40191
40192 @item EFAULT
40193 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
40194
40195 @item EACCES
40196 No access to the file or the path of the file.
40197
40198 @item ENAMETOOLONG
40199
40200 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
40201
40202 @item ENOENT
40203 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
40204
40205 @item EROFS
40206 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
40207
40208 @item ENOSPC
40209 The device containing the file has no room for the new
40210 directory entry.
40211
40212 @item EINTR
40213 The call was interrupted by the user.
40214 @end table
40215
40216 @end table
40217
40218 @node unlink
40219 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
40220 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
40221
40222 @table @asis
40223 @item Synopsis:
40224 @smallexample
40225 int unlink(const char *pathname);
40226 @end smallexample
40227
40228 @item Request:
40229 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
40230
40231 @item Return value:
40232 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
40233
40234 @item Errors:
40235
40236 @table @code
40237 @item EACCES
40238 No access to the file or the path of the file.
40239
40240 @item EPERM
40241 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
40242
40243 @item EBUSY
40244 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
40245 being used by another process.
40246
40247 @item EFAULT
40248 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
40249
40250 @item ENAMETOOLONG
40251 @var{pathname} was too long.
40252
40253 @item ENOENT
40254 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
40255
40256 @item ENOTDIR
40257 A component of the path is not a directory.
40258
40259 @item EROFS
40260 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
40261
40262 @item EINTR
40263 The call was interrupted by the user.
40264 @end table
40265
40266 @end table
40267
40268 @node stat/fstat
40269 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
40270 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
40271 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
40272
40273 @table @asis
40274 @item Synopsis:
40275 @smallexample
40276 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
40277 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
40278 @end smallexample
40279
40280 @item Request:
40281 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
40282 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
40283
40284 @item Return value:
40285 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
40286
40287 @item Errors:
40288
40289 @table @code
40290 @item EBADF
40291 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
40292
40293 @item ENOENT
40294 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
40295 path is an empty string.
40296
40297 @item ENOTDIR
40298 A component of the path is not a directory.
40299
40300 @item EFAULT
40301 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
40302
40303 @item EACCES
40304 No access to the file or the path of the file.
40305
40306 @item ENAMETOOLONG
40307 @var{pathname} was too long.
40308
40309 @item EINTR
40310 The call was interrupted by the user.
40311 @end table
40312
40313 @end table
40314
40315 @node gettimeofday
40316 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
40317 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
40318
40319 @table @asis
40320 @item Synopsis:
40321 @smallexample
40322 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
40323 @end smallexample
40324
40325 @item Request:
40326 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
40327
40328 @item Return value:
40329 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
40330
40331 @item Errors:
40332
40333 @table @code
40334 @item EINVAL
40335 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
40336
40337 @item EFAULT
40338 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
40339 @end table
40340
40341 @end table
40342
40343 @node isatty
40344 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
40345 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
40346
40347 @table @asis
40348 @item Synopsis:
40349 @smallexample
40350 int isatty(int fd);
40351 @end smallexample
40352
40353 @item Request:
40354 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
40355
40356 @item Return value:
40357 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
40358
40359 @item Errors:
40360
40361 @table @code
40362 @item EINTR
40363 The call was interrupted by the user.
40364 @end table
40365
40366 @end table
40367
40368 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
40369 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
40370 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
40371 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
40372 needed.
40373
40374
40375 @node system
40376 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
40377 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
40378
40379 @table @asis
40380 @item Synopsis:
40381 @smallexample
40382 int system(const char *command);
40383 @end smallexample
40384
40385 @item Request:
40386 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
40387
40388 @item Return value:
40389 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
40390 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
40391 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
40392 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
40393 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
40394 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
40395 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
40396
40397 @item Errors:
40398
40399 @table @code
40400 @item EINTR
40401 The call was interrupted by the user.
40402 @end table
40403
40404 @end table
40405
40406 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
40407 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
40408 the host is simplified before it's returned
40409 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
40410 is discarded, and the return value consists
40411 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
40412
40413 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
40414 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
40415 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
40416
40417 @table @code
40418 @item set remote system-call-allowed
40419 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
40420 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
40421 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
40422
40423 @item show remote system-call-allowed
40424 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
40425 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
40426 protocol.
40427 @end table
40428
40429 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
40430 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
40431 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
40432
40433 @menu
40434 * Integral Datatypes::
40435 * Pointer Values::
40436 * Memory Transfer::
40437 * struct stat::
40438 * struct timeval::
40439 @end menu
40440
40441 @node Integral Datatypes
40442 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
40443 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
40444
40445 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
40446 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
40447 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
40448
40449 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
40450 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
40451
40452 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
40453
40454 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
40455 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
40456
40457 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
40458
40459 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
40460 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
40461 byte order.
40462
40463 @node Pointer Values
40464 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
40465 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
40466
40467 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
40468 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
40469 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
40470 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
40471
40472 @smallexample
40473 @code{1aaf/12}
40474 @end smallexample
40475
40476 @noindent
40477 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
40478 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
40479 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
40480 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
40481
40482 @smallexample
40483 @code{123456/d}
40484 @end smallexample
40485
40486 @node Memory Transfer
40487 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
40488 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
40489
40490 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
40491 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
40492 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
40493 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
40494 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
40495 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
40496 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
40497
40498
40499 @node struct stat
40500 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
40501 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
40502
40503 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
40504 is defined as follows:
40505
40506 @smallexample
40507 struct stat @{
40508 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
40509 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
40510 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
40511 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
40512 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
40513 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
40514 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
40515 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
40516 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
40517 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
40518 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
40519 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
40520 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
40521 @};
40522 @end smallexample
40523
40524 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
40525 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
40526 structure is of size 64 bytes.
40527
40528 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
40529 range of values.
40530
40531 @table @code
40532
40533 @item st_dev
40534 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
40535
40536 @item st_ino
40537 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
40538
40539 @item st_mode
40540 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
40541 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
40542
40543 @item st_uid
40544 @itemx st_gid
40545 @itemx st_rdev
40546 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
40547
40548 @item st_atime
40549 @itemx st_mtime
40550 @itemx st_ctime
40551 These values have a host and file system dependent
40552 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
40553 support exact timing values.
40554 @end table
40555
40556 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
40557 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
40558 continuing.
40559
40560 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
40561 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
40562 get truncated on the target.
40563
40564 @node struct timeval
40565 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
40566 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
40567
40568 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
40569 is defined as follows:
40570
40571 @smallexample
40572 struct timeval @{
40573 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
40574 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
40575 @};
40576 @end smallexample
40577
40578 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
40579 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
40580 structure is of size 8 bytes.
40581
40582 @node Constants
40583 @subsection Constants
40584 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
40585
40586 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
40587 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
40588 values before and after the call as needed.
40589
40590 @menu
40591 * Open Flags::
40592 * mode_t Values::
40593 * Errno Values::
40594 * Lseek Flags::
40595 * Limits::
40596 @end menu
40597
40598 @node Open Flags
40599 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
40600 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
40601
40602 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
40603
40604 @smallexample
40605 O_RDONLY 0x0
40606 O_WRONLY 0x1
40607 O_RDWR 0x2
40608 O_APPEND 0x8
40609 O_CREAT 0x200
40610 O_TRUNC 0x400
40611 O_EXCL 0x800
40612 @end smallexample
40613
40614 @node mode_t Values
40615 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
40616 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
40617
40618 All values are given in octal representation.
40619
40620 @smallexample
40621 S_IFREG 0100000
40622 S_IFDIR 040000
40623 S_IRUSR 0400
40624 S_IWUSR 0200
40625 S_IXUSR 0100
40626 S_IRGRP 040
40627 S_IWGRP 020
40628 S_IXGRP 010
40629 S_IROTH 04
40630 S_IWOTH 02
40631 S_IXOTH 01
40632 @end smallexample
40633
40634 @node Errno Values
40635 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
40636 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
40637
40638 All values are given in decimal representation.
40639
40640 @smallexample
40641 EPERM 1
40642 ENOENT 2
40643 EINTR 4
40644 EBADF 9
40645 EACCES 13
40646 EFAULT 14
40647 EBUSY 16
40648 EEXIST 17
40649 ENODEV 19
40650 ENOTDIR 20
40651 EISDIR 21
40652 EINVAL 22
40653 ENFILE 23
40654 EMFILE 24
40655 EFBIG 27
40656 ENOSPC 28
40657 ESPIPE 29
40658 EROFS 30
40659 ENAMETOOLONG 91
40660 EUNKNOWN 9999
40661 @end smallexample
40662
40663 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
40664 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
40665
40666 @node Lseek Flags
40667 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
40668 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
40669
40670 @smallexample
40671 SEEK_SET 0
40672 SEEK_CUR 1
40673 SEEK_END 2
40674 @end smallexample
40675
40676 @node Limits
40677 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
40678 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
40679
40680 All values are given in decimal representation.
40681
40682 @smallexample
40683 INT_MIN -2147483648
40684 INT_MAX 2147483647
40685 UINT_MAX 4294967295
40686 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
40687 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
40688 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
40689 @end smallexample
40690
40691 @node File-I/O Examples
40692 @subsection File-I/O Examples
40693 @cindex file-i/o examples
40694
40695 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
40696 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
40697
40698 @smallexample
40699 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
40700 @emph{request memory read from target}
40701 -> @code{m1234,6}
40702 <- XXXXXX
40703 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
40704 -> @code{F6}
40705 @end smallexample
40706
40707 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
40708 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
40709
40710 @smallexample
40711 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40712 @emph{request memory write to target}
40713 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
40714 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
40715 -> @code{F6}
40716 @end smallexample
40717
40718 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
40719 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
40720
40721 @smallexample
40722 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40723 -> @code{F-1,9}
40724 @end smallexample
40725
40726 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
40727 host is called:
40728
40729 @smallexample
40730 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40731 -> @code{F-1,4,C}
40732 <- @code{T02}
40733 @end smallexample
40734
40735 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
40736 host is called:
40737
40738 @smallexample
40739 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40740 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
40741 <- @code{T02}
40742 @end smallexample
40743
40744 @node Library List Format
40745 @section Library List Format
40746 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
40747
40748 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
40749 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
40750 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
40751 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
40752 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
40753 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
40754 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
40755 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
40756 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
40757 are loaded.
40758
40759 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
40760 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
40761 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
40762 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
40763
40764 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
40765 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
40766 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
40767 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
40768 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
40769 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
40770
40771 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40772 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
40773
40774 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
40775 offset, looks like this:
40776
40777 @smallexample
40778 <library-list>
40779 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
40780 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
40781 </library>
40782 </library-list>
40783 @end smallexample
40784
40785 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
40786 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
40787
40788 @smallexample
40789 <library-list>
40790 <library name="sharedlib.o">
40791 <section address="0x10000000"/>
40792 <section address="0x20000000"/>
40793 <section address="0x30000000"/>
40794 </library>
40795 </library-list>
40796 @end smallexample
40797
40798 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
40799
40800 @smallexample
40801 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
40802 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
40803 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40804 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
40805 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
40806 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
40807 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
40808 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
40809 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
40810 @end smallexample
40811
40812 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
40813 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
40814 section for each library.
40815
40816 @node Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
40817 @section Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
40818 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
40819
40820 On SVR4 platforms @value{GDBN} can use the symbol table of a dynamic loader
40821 (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) and normal memory operations to maintain a list of
40822 shared libraries. Still a special library list provided by this packet is
40823 more efficient for the @value{GDBN} remote protocol.
40824
40825 The @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet returns an XML document which lists
40826 loaded libraries and their SVR4 linker parameters. For each library on SVR4
40827 target, the following parameters are reported:
40828
40829 @itemize @minus
40830 @item
40831 @code{name}, the absolute file name from the @code{l_name} field of
40832 @code{struct link_map}.
40833 @item
40834 @code{lm} with address of @code{struct link_map} used for TLS
40835 (Thread Local Storage) access.
40836 @item
40837 @code{l_addr}, the displacement as read from the field @code{l_addr} of
40838 @code{struct link_map}. For prelinked libraries this is not an absolute
40839 memory address. It is a displacement of absolute memory address against
40840 address the file was prelinked to during the library load.
40841 @item
40842 @code{l_ld}, which is memory address of the @code{PT_DYNAMIC} segment
40843 @end itemize
40844
40845 Additionally the single @code{main-lm} attribute specifies address of
40846 @code{struct link_map} used for the main executable. This parameter is used
40847 for TLS access and its presence is optional.
40848
40849 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40850 SVR4 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
40851
40852 A simple memory map, with two loaded libraries (which do not use prelink),
40853 looks like this:
40854
40855 @smallexample
40856 <library-list-svr4 version="1.0" main-lm="0xe4f8f8">
40857 <library name="/lib/ld-linux.so.2" lm="0xe4f51c" l_addr="0xe2d000"
40858 l_ld="0xe4eefc"/>
40859 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6" lm="0xe4fbe8" l_addr="0x154000"
40860 l_ld="0x152350"/>
40861 </library-list-svr>
40862 @end smallexample
40863
40864 The format of an SVR4 library list is described by this DTD:
40865
40866 @smallexample
40867 <!-- library-list-svr4: Root element with versioning -->
40868 <!ELEMENT library-list-svr4 (library)*>
40869 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40870 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 main-lm CDATA #IMPLIED>
40871 <!ELEMENT library EMPTY>
40872 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
40873 <!ATTLIST library lm CDATA #REQUIRED>
40874 <!ATTLIST library l_addr CDATA #REQUIRED>
40875 <!ATTLIST library l_ld CDATA #REQUIRED>
40876 @end smallexample
40877
40878 @node Memory Map Format
40879 @section Memory Map Format
40880 @cindex memory map format
40881
40882 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
40883 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
40884 memory map.
40885
40886 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
40887 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
40888 lists memory regions.
40889
40890 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40891 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
40892
40893 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
40894
40895 @smallexample
40896 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40897 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
40898 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
40899 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
40900 <memory-map>
40901 region...
40902 </memory-map>
40903 @end smallexample
40904
40905 Each region can be either:
40906
40907 @itemize
40908
40909 @item
40910 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
40911 bytes from there:
40912
40913 @smallexample
40914 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
40915 @end smallexample
40916
40917
40918 @item
40919 A region of read-only memory:
40920
40921 @smallexample
40922 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
40923 @end smallexample
40924
40925
40926 @item
40927 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
40928 bytes in length:
40929
40930 @smallexample
40931 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
40932 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
40933 </memory>
40934 @end smallexample
40935
40936 @end itemize
40937
40938 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
40939 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
40940 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
40941
40942 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
40943
40944 @smallexample
40945 <!-- ................................................... -->
40946 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
40947 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
40948 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
40949 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
40950 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
40951 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory)*>
40952 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
40953 <!ELEMENT memory (property)*>
40954 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
40955 and its type, or device. -->
40956 <!ATTLIST memory type (ram|rom|flash) #REQUIRED
40957 start CDATA #REQUIRED
40958 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
40959 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
40960 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
40961 <!ATTLIST property name (blocksize) #REQUIRED>
40962 @end smallexample
40963
40964 @node Thread List Format
40965 @section Thread List Format
40966 @cindex thread list format
40967
40968 To efficiently update the list of threads and their attributes,
40969 @value{GDBN} issues the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
40970 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}) and obtains the XML document with
40971 the following structure:
40972
40973 @smallexample
40974 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40975 <threads>
40976 <thread id="id" core="0" name="name">
40977 ... description ...
40978 </thread>
40979 </threads>
40980 @end smallexample
40981
40982 Each @samp{thread} element must have the @samp{id} attribute that
40983 identifies the thread (@pxref{thread-id syntax}). The
40984 @samp{core} attribute, if present, specifies which processor core
40985 the thread was last executing on. The @samp{name} attribute, if
40986 present, specifies the human-readable name of the thread. The content
40987 of the of @samp{thread} element is interpreted as human-readable
40988 auxiliary information. The @samp{handle} attribute, if present,
40989 is a hex encoded representation of the thread handle.
40990
40991
40992 @node Traceframe Info Format
40993 @section Traceframe Info Format
40994 @cindex traceframe info format
40995
40996 To be able to know which objects in the inferior can be examined when
40997 inspecting a tracepoint hit, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of
40998 memory ranges, registers and trace state variables that have been
40999 collected in a traceframe.
41000
41001 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
41002 (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}) packet and is an XML document.
41003
41004 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
41005 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
41006
41007 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
41008
41009 @smallexample
41010 <?xml version="1.0"?>
41011 <!DOCTYPE traceframe-info
41012 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
41013 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-traceframe-info.dtd">
41014 <traceframe-info>
41015 block...
41016 </traceframe-info>
41017 @end smallexample
41018
41019 Each traceframe block can be either:
41020
41021 @itemize
41022
41023 @item
41024 A region of collected memory starting at @var{addr} and extending for
41025 @var{length} bytes from there:
41026
41027 @smallexample
41028 <memory start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
41029 @end smallexample
41030
41031 @item
41032 A block indicating trace state variable numbered @var{number} has been
41033 collected:
41034
41035 @smallexample
41036 <tvar id="@var{number}"/>
41037 @end smallexample
41038
41039 @end itemize
41040
41041 The formal DTD for the traceframe info format is given below:
41042
41043 @smallexample
41044 <!ELEMENT traceframe-info (memory | tvar)* >
41045 <!ATTLIST traceframe-info version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
41046
41047 <!ELEMENT memory EMPTY>
41048 <!ATTLIST memory start CDATA #REQUIRED
41049 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
41050 <!ELEMENT tvar>
41051 <!ATTLIST tvar id CDATA #REQUIRED>
41052 @end smallexample
41053
41054 @node Branch Trace Format
41055 @section Branch Trace Format
41056 @cindex branch trace format
41057
41058 In order to display the branch trace of an inferior thread,
41059 @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of branches. This list is
41060 represented as list of sequential code blocks that are connected via
41061 branches. The code in each block has been executed sequentially.
41062
41063 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
41064 (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}) packet and is an XML document.
41065
41066 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
41067 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
41068
41069 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
41070
41071 @smallexample
41072 <?xml version="1.0"?>
41073 <!DOCTYPE btrace
41074 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Branch Trace V1.0//EN"
41075 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-btrace.dtd">
41076 <btrace>
41077 block...
41078 </btrace>
41079 @end smallexample
41080
41081 @itemize
41082
41083 @item
41084 A block of sequentially executed instructions starting at @var{begin}
41085 and ending at @var{end}:
41086
41087 @smallexample
41088 <block begin="@var{begin}" end="@var{end}"/>
41089 @end smallexample
41090
41091 @end itemize
41092
41093 The formal DTD for the branch trace format is given below:
41094
41095 @smallexample
41096 <!ELEMENT btrace (block* | pt) >
41097 <!ATTLIST btrace version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
41098
41099 <!ELEMENT block EMPTY>
41100 <!ATTLIST block begin CDATA #REQUIRED
41101 end CDATA #REQUIRED>
41102
41103 <!ELEMENT pt (pt-config?, raw?)>
41104
41105 <!ELEMENT pt-config (cpu?)>
41106
41107 <!ELEMENT cpu EMPTY>
41108 <!ATTLIST cpu vendor CDATA #REQUIRED
41109 family CDATA #REQUIRED
41110 model CDATA #REQUIRED
41111 stepping CDATA #REQUIRED>
41112
41113 <!ELEMENT raw (#PCDATA)>
41114 @end smallexample
41115
41116 @node Branch Trace Configuration Format
41117 @section Branch Trace Configuration Format
41118 @cindex branch trace configuration format
41119
41120 For each inferior thread, @value{GDBN} can obtain the branch trace
41121 configuration using the @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
41122 (@pxref{qXfer btrace-conf read}) packet.
41123
41124 The configuration describes the branch trace format and configuration
41125 settings for that format. The following information is described:
41126
41127 @table @code
41128 @item bts
41129 This thread uses the @dfn{Branch Trace Store} (@acronym{BTS}) format.
41130 @table @code
41131 @item size
41132 The size of the @acronym{BTS} ring buffer in bytes.
41133 @end table
41134 @item pt
41135 This thread uses the @dfn{Intel Processor Trace} (@acronym{Intel
41136 PT}) format.
41137 @table @code
41138 @item size
41139 The size of the @acronym{Intel PT} ring buffer in bytes.
41140 @end table
41141 @end table
41142
41143 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
41144 branch trace configuration discovery. @xref{Expat}.
41145
41146 The formal DTD for the branch trace configuration format is given below:
41147
41148 @smallexample
41149 <!ELEMENT btrace-conf (bts?, pt?)>
41150 <!ATTLIST btrace-conf version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
41151
41152 <!ELEMENT bts EMPTY>
41153 <!ATTLIST bts size CDATA #IMPLIED>
41154
41155 <!ELEMENT pt EMPTY>
41156 <!ATTLIST pt size CDATA #IMPLIED>
41157 @end smallexample
41158
41159 @include agentexpr.texi
41160
41161 @node Target Descriptions
41162 @appendix Target Descriptions
41163 @cindex target descriptions
41164
41165 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
41166 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
41167 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
41168 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or @acronym{MIPS}, for example ---
41169 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
41170 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
41171 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
41172
41173 @itemize @bullet
41174 @item
41175 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
41176 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
41177 @item
41178 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
41179 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
41180 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
41181 @item
41182 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
41183 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
41184 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
41185 @end itemize
41186
41187 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
41188 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
41189 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
41190 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
41191 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
41192
41193 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
41194 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
41195
41196 @menu
41197 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
41198 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
41199 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
41200 descriptions.
41201 * Enum Target Types:: How to define enum target types.
41202 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
41203 @end menu
41204
41205 @node Retrieving Descriptions
41206 @section Retrieving Descriptions
41207
41208 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
41209 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
41210 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
41211 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
41212 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
41213 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
41214 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
41215 Format}.
41216
41217 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
41218 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
41219 specify a file are:
41220
41221 @table @code
41222 @cindex set tdesc filename
41223 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
41224 Read the target description from @var{path}.
41225
41226 @cindex unset tdesc filename
41227 @item unset tdesc filename
41228 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
41229 will use the description supplied by the current target.
41230
41231 @cindex show tdesc filename
41232 @item show tdesc filename
41233 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
41234 @end table
41235
41236
41237 @node Target Description Format
41238 @section Target Description Format
41239 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
41240
41241 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
41242 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
41243 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
41244 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
41245 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
41246 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
41247 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
41248
41249 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
41250 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
41251 sets. They can also identify the OS ABI of the remote target.
41252 @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
41253 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
41254
41255 Here is a simple target description:
41256
41257 @smallexample
41258 <target version="1.0">
41259 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
41260 </target>
41261 @end smallexample
41262
41263 @noindent
41264 This minimal description only says that the target uses
41265 the x86-64 architecture.
41266
41267 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
41268 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
41269 are explained further below.
41270
41271 @smallexample
41272 <?xml version="1.0"?>
41273 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
41274 <target version="1.0">
41275 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
41276 @r{[}@var{osabi}@r{]}
41277 @r{[}@var{compatible}@r{]}
41278 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
41279 </target>
41280 @end smallexample
41281
41282 @noindent
41283 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
41284 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
41285 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
41286 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
41287 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
41288 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
41289 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
41290 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
41291 the version mismatch.
41292
41293 @subsection Inclusion
41294 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
41295 @cindex XInclude
41296 @ifnotinfo
41297 @cindex <xi:include>
41298 @end ifnotinfo
41299
41300 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
41301 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
41302 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
41303 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
41304 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
41305
41306 @smallexample
41307 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
41308 @end smallexample
41309
41310 @noindent
41311 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
41312 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
41313 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
41314 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
41315 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
41316 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
41317 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
41318 original description.
41319
41320 @subsection Architecture
41321 @cindex <architecture>
41322
41323 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
41324
41325 @smallexample
41326 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
41327 @end smallexample
41328
41329 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
41330 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
41331
41332 @subsection OS ABI
41333 @cindex @code{<osabi>}
41334
41335 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
41336 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
41337
41338 An @samp{<osabi>} element has this form:
41339
41340 @smallexample
41341 <osabi>@var{abi-name}</osabi>
41342 @end smallexample
41343
41344 @var{abi-name} is an OS ABI name from the same selection accepted by
41345 @w{@code{set osabi}} (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
41346
41347 @subsection Compatible Architecture
41348 @cindex @code{<compatible>}
41349
41350 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
41351 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
41352
41353 A @samp{<compatible>} element has this form:
41354
41355 @smallexample
41356 <compatible>@var{arch}</compatible>
41357 @end smallexample
41358
41359 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
41360 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
41361
41362 A @samp{<compatible>} element is used to specify that the target
41363 is able to run binaries in some other than the main target architecture
41364 given by the @samp{<architecture>} element. For example, on the
41365 Cell Broadband Engine, the main architecture is @code{powerpc:common}
41366 or @code{powerpc:common64}, but the system is able to run binaries
41367 in the @code{spu} architecture as well. The way to describe this
41368 capability with @samp{<compatible>} is as follows:
41369
41370 @smallexample
41371 <architecture>powerpc:common</architecture>
41372 <compatible>spu</compatible>
41373 @end smallexample
41374
41375 @subsection Features
41376 @cindex <feature>
41377
41378 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
41379 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
41380 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
41381 has this form:
41382
41383 @smallexample
41384 <feature name="@var{name}">
41385 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
41386 @var{reg}@dots{}
41387 </feature>
41388 @end smallexample
41389
41390 @noindent
41391 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
41392 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
41393 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
41394 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
41395
41396 @subsection Types
41397
41398 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
41399 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
41400 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
41401 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
41402 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite
41403 and enum types.
41404
41405 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
41406 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
41407 Types must be defined before they are used.
41408
41409 @cindex <vector>
41410 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
41411 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
41412 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
41413 @var{count}:
41414
41415 @smallexample
41416 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
41417 @end smallexample
41418
41419 @cindex <union>
41420 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
41421 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
41422 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
41423 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
41424
41425 @smallexample
41426 <union id="@var{id}">
41427 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
41428 @dots{}
41429 </union>
41430 @end smallexample
41431
41432 @cindex <struct>
41433 @cindex <flags>
41434 If a register's value is composed from several separate values, define
41435 it with either a structure type or a flags type.
41436 A flags type may only contain bitfields.
41437 A structure type may either contain only bitfields or contain no bitfields.
41438 If the value contains only bitfields, its total size in bytes must be
41439 specified.
41440
41441 Non-bitfield values have a @var{name} and @var{type}.
41442
41443 @smallexample
41444 <struct id="@var{id}">
41445 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
41446 @dots{}
41447 </struct>
41448 @end smallexample
41449
41450 Both @var{name} and @var{type} values are required.
41451 No implicit padding is added.
41452
41453 Bitfield values have a @var{name}, @var{start}, @var{end} and @var{type}.
41454
41455 @smallexample
41456 <struct id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
41457 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}" type="@var{type}"/>
41458 @dots{}
41459 </struct>
41460 @end smallexample
41461
41462 @smallexample
41463 <flags id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
41464 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}" type="@var{type}"/>
41465 @dots{}
41466 </flags>
41467 @end smallexample
41468
41469 The @var{name} value is required.
41470 Bitfield values may be named with the empty string, @samp{""},
41471 in which case the field is ``filler'' and its value is not printed.
41472 Not all bits need to be specified, so ``filler'' fields are optional.
41473
41474 The @var{start} and @var{end} values are required, and @var{type}
41475 is optional.
41476 The field's @var{start} must be less than or equal to its @var{end},
41477 and zero represents the least significant bit.
41478
41479 The default value of @var{type} is @code{bool} for single bit fields,
41480 and an unsigned integer otherwise.
41481
41482 Which to choose? Structures or flags?
41483
41484 Registers defined with @samp{flags} have these advantages over
41485 defining them with @samp{struct}:
41486
41487 @itemize @bullet
41488 @item
41489 Arithmetic may be performed on them as if they were integers.
41490 @item
41491 They are printed in a more readable fashion.
41492 @end itemize
41493
41494 Registers defined with @samp{struct} have one advantage over
41495 defining them with @samp{flags}:
41496
41497 @itemize @bullet
41498 @item
41499 One can fetch individual fields like in @samp{C}.
41500
41501 @smallexample
41502 (gdb) print $my_struct_reg.field3
41503 $1 = 42
41504 @end smallexample
41505
41506 @end itemize
41507
41508 @subsection Registers
41509 @cindex <reg>
41510
41511 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
41512
41513 @smallexample
41514 <reg name="@var{name}"
41515 bitsize="@var{size}"
41516 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
41517 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
41518 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
41519 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
41520 @end smallexample
41521
41522 @noindent
41523 The components are as follows:
41524
41525 @table @var
41526
41527 @item name
41528 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
41529
41530 @item bitsize
41531 The register's size, in bits.
41532
41533 @item regnum
41534 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
41535 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
41536 a preceding feature); the first register in the target description
41537 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
41538 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
41539 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
41540 in order of increasing register number.
41541
41542 @item save-restore
41543 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
41544 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
41545 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
41546 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
41547 ABI.
41548
41549 @item type
41550 The type of the register. It may be a predefined type, a type
41551 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
41552 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
41553 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
41554 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
41555 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
41556
41557 @item group
41558 The register group to which this register belongs. It must
41559 be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
41560 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
41561 in @code{info registers}.
41562
41563 @end table
41564
41565 @node Predefined Target Types
41566 @section Predefined Target Types
41567 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
41568
41569 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
41570 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
41571 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
41572 types. The currently supported types are:
41573
41574 @table @code
41575
41576 @item bool
41577 Boolean type, occupying a single bit.
41578
41579 @item int8
41580 @itemx int16
41581 @itemx int32
41582 @itemx int64
41583 @itemx int128
41584 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
41585
41586 @item uint8
41587 @itemx uint16
41588 @itemx uint32
41589 @itemx uint64
41590 @itemx uint128
41591 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
41592
41593 @item code_ptr
41594 @itemx data_ptr
41595 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
41596 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
41597 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
41598 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
41599 may be marked as data pointers.
41600
41601 @item ieee_single
41602 Single precision IEEE floating point.
41603
41604 @item ieee_double
41605 Double precision IEEE floating point.
41606
41607 @item arm_fpa_ext
41608 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
41609
41610 @item i387_ext
41611 The 10-byte extended precision format used by x87 registers.
41612
41613 @item i386_eflags
41614 32bit @sc{eflags} register used by x86.
41615
41616 @item i386_mxcsr
41617 32bit @sc{mxcsr} register used by x86.
41618
41619 @end table
41620
41621 @node Enum Target Types
41622 @section Enum Target Types
41623 @cindex target descriptions, enum types
41624
41625 Enum target types are useful in @samp{struct} and @samp{flags}
41626 register descriptions. @xref{Target Description Format}.
41627
41628 Enum types have a name, size and a list of name/value pairs.
41629
41630 @smallexample
41631 <enum id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
41632 <evalue name="@var{name}" value="@var{value}"/>
41633 @dots{}
41634 </enum>
41635 @end smallexample
41636
41637 Enums must be defined before they are used.
41638
41639 @smallexample
41640 <enum id="levels_type" size="4">
41641 <evalue name="low" value="0"/>
41642 <evalue name="high" value="1"/>
41643 </enum>
41644 <flags id="flags_type" size="4">
41645 <field name="X" start="0"/>
41646 <field name="LEVEL" start="1" end="1" type="levels_type"/>
41647 </flags>
41648 <reg name="flags" bitsize="32" type="flags_type"/>
41649 @end smallexample
41650
41651 Given that description, a value of 3 for the @samp{flags} register
41652 would be printed as:
41653
41654 @smallexample
41655 (gdb) info register flags
41656 flags 0x3 [ X LEVEL=high ]
41657 @end smallexample
41658
41659 @node Standard Target Features
41660 @section Standard Target Features
41661 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
41662
41663 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
41664 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
41665 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
41666 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
41667 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
41668 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
41669 can recognize them.
41670
41671 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
41672 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
41673 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
41674 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
41675 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
41676 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
41677 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
41678 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
41679
41680 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
41681 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
41682 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
41683
41684 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
41685 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
41686 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
41687 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
41688
41689 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
41690 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
41691 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
41692
41693 @menu
41694 * AArch64 Features::
41695 * ARC Features::
41696 * ARM Features::
41697 * i386 Features::
41698 * MicroBlaze Features::
41699 * MIPS Features::
41700 * M68K Features::
41701 * NDS32 Features::
41702 * Nios II Features::
41703 * PowerPC Features::
41704 * S/390 and System z Features::
41705 * Sparc Features::
41706 * TIC6x Features::
41707 @end menu
41708
41709
41710 @node AArch64 Features
41711 @subsection AArch64 Features
41712 @cindex target descriptions, AArch64 features
41713
41714 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.core} feature is required for AArch64
41715 targets. It should contain registers @samp{x0} through @samp{x30},
41716 @samp{sp}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
41717
41718 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.fpu} feature is optional. If present,
41719 it should contain registers @samp{v0} through @samp{v31}, @samp{fpsr},
41720 and @samp{fpcr}.
41721
41722 @node ARC Features
41723 @subsection ARC Features
41724 @cindex target descriptions, ARC Features
41725
41726 ARC processors are highly configurable, so even core registers and their number
41727 are not completely predetermined. In addition flags and PC registers which are
41728 important to @value{GDBN} are not ``core'' registers in ARC. It is required
41729 that one of the core registers features is present.
41730 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.aux-minimal} feature is mandatory.
41731
41732 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core.v2} feature is required for ARC EM and ARC HS
41733 targets with a normal register file. It should contain registers @samp{r0}
41734 through @samp{r25}, @samp{gp}, @samp{fp}, @samp{sp}, @samp{r30}, @samp{blink},
41735 @samp{lp_count} and @samp{pcl}. This feature may contain register @samp{ilink}
41736 and any of extension core registers @samp{r32} through @samp{r59/acch}.
41737 @samp{ilink} and extension core registers are not available to read/write, when
41738 debugging GNU/Linux applications, thus @samp{ilink} is made optional.
41739
41740 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core-reduced.v2} feature is required for ARC EM and
41741 ARC HS targets with a reduced register file. It should contain registers
41742 @samp{r0} through @samp{r3}, @samp{r10} through @samp{r15}, @samp{gp},
41743 @samp{fp}, @samp{sp}, @samp{r30}, @samp{blink}, @samp{lp_count} and @samp{pcl}.
41744 This feature may contain register @samp{ilink} and any of extension core
41745 registers @samp{r32} through @samp{r59/acch}.
41746
41747 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core.arcompact} feature is required for ARCompact
41748 targets with a normal register file. It should contain registers @samp{r0}
41749 through @samp{r25}, @samp{gp}, @samp{fp}, @samp{sp}, @samp{r30}, @samp{blink},
41750 @samp{lp_count} and @samp{pcl}. This feature may contain registers
41751 @samp{ilink1}, @samp{ilink2} and any of extension core registers @samp{r32}
41752 through @samp{r59/acch}. @samp{ilink1} and @samp{ilink2} and extension core
41753 registers are not available when debugging GNU/Linux applications. The only
41754 difference with @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core.v2} feature is in the names of
41755 @samp{ilink1} and @samp{ilink2} registers and that @samp{r30} is mandatory in
41756 ARC v2, but @samp{ilink2} is optional on ARCompact.
41757
41758 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.aux-minimal} feature is required for all ARC
41759 targets. It should contain registers @samp{pc} and @samp{status32}.
41760
41761 @node ARM Features
41762 @subsection ARM Features
41763 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
41764
41765 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for non-M-profile
41766 ARM targets.
41767 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
41768 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
41769
41770 For M-profile targets (e.g. Cortex-M3), the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}
41771 feature is replaced by @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile}. It should contain
41772 registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp}, @samp{lr}, @samp{pc},
41773 and @samp{xpsr}.
41774
41775 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
41776 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
41777
41778 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
41779 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
41780 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
41781 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
41782
41783 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is optional. If present, it
41784 should contain at least registers @samp{d0} through @samp{d15}. If
41785 they are present, @samp{d16} through @samp{d31} should also be included.
41786 @value{GDBN} will synthesize the single-precision registers from
41787 halves of the double-precision registers.
41788
41789 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.neon} feature is optional. It does not
41790 need to contain registers; it instructs @value{GDBN} to display the
41791 VFP double-precision registers as vectors and to synthesize the
41792 quad-precision registers from pairs of double-precision registers.
41793 If this feature is present, @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} must also
41794 be present and include 32 double-precision registers.
41795
41796 @node i386 Features
41797 @subsection i386 Features
41798 @cindex target descriptions, i386 features
41799
41800 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.core} feature is required for i386/amd64
41801 targets. It should describe the following registers:
41802
41803 @itemize @minus
41804 @item
41805 @samp{eax} through @samp{edi} plus @samp{eip} for i386
41806 @item
41807 @samp{rax} through @samp{r15} plus @samp{rip} for amd64
41808 @item
41809 @samp{eflags}, @samp{cs}, @samp{ss}, @samp{ds}, @samp{es},
41810 @samp{fs}, @samp{gs}
41811 @item
41812 @samp{st0} through @samp{st7}
41813 @item
41814 @samp{fctrl}, @samp{fstat}, @samp{ftag}, @samp{fiseg}, @samp{fioff},
41815 @samp{foseg}, @samp{fooff} and @samp{fop}
41816 @end itemize
41817
41818 The register sets may be different, depending on the target.
41819
41820 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature is optional. It should
41821 describe registers:
41822
41823 @itemize @minus
41824 @item
41825 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm7} for i386
41826 @item
41827 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm15} for amd64
41828 @item
41829 @samp{mxcsr}
41830 @end itemize
41831
41832 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature is optional and requires the
41833 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature. It should
41834 describe the upper 128 bits of @sc{ymm} registers:
41835
41836 @itemize @minus
41837 @item
41838 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm7h} for i386
41839 @item
41840 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm15h} for amd64
41841 @end itemize
41842
41843 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.mpx} is an optional feature representing Intel
41844 Memory Protection Extension (MPX). It should describe the following registers:
41845
41846 @itemize @minus
41847 @item
41848 @samp{bnd0raw} through @samp{bnd3raw} for i386 and amd64.
41849 @item
41850 @samp{bndcfgu} and @samp{bndstatus} for i386 and amd64.
41851 @end itemize
41852
41853 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.linux} feature is optional. It should
41854 describe a single register, @samp{orig_eax}.
41855
41856 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.segments} feature is optional. It should
41857 describe two system registers: @samp{fs_base} and @samp{gs_base}.
41858
41859 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx512} feature is optional and requires the
41860 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature. It should
41861 describe additional @sc{xmm} registers:
41862
41863 @itemize @minus
41864 @item
41865 @samp{xmm16h} through @samp{xmm31h}, only valid for amd64.
41866 @end itemize
41867
41868 It should describe the upper 128 bits of additional @sc{ymm} registers:
41869
41870 @itemize @minus
41871 @item
41872 @samp{ymm16h} through @samp{ymm31h}, only valid for amd64.
41873 @end itemize
41874
41875 It should
41876 describe the upper 256 bits of @sc{zmm} registers:
41877
41878 @itemize @minus
41879 @item
41880 @samp{zmm0h} through @samp{zmm7h} for i386.
41881 @item
41882 @samp{zmm0h} through @samp{zmm15h} for amd64.
41883 @end itemize
41884
41885 It should
41886 describe the additional @sc{zmm} registers:
41887
41888 @itemize @minus
41889 @item
41890 @samp{zmm16h} through @samp{zmm31h}, only valid for amd64.
41891 @end itemize
41892
41893 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.pkeys} feature is optional. It should
41894 describe a single register, @samp{pkru}. It is a 32-bit register
41895 valid for i386 and amd64.
41896
41897 @node MicroBlaze Features
41898 @subsection MicroBlaze Features
41899 @cindex target descriptions, MicroBlaze features
41900
41901 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.microblaze.core} feature is required for MicroBlaze
41902 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
41903 @samp{rpc}, @samp{rmsr}, @samp{rear}, @samp{resr}, @samp{rfsr}, @samp{rbtr},
41904 @samp{rpvr}, @samp{rpvr1} through @samp{rpvr11}, @samp{redr}, @samp{rpid},
41905 @samp{rzpr}, @samp{rtlbx}, @samp{rtlbsx}, @samp{rtlblo}, and @samp{rtlbhi}.
41906
41907 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.microblaze.stack-protect} feature is optional.
41908 If present, it should contain registers @samp{rshr} and @samp{rslr}
41909
41910 @node MIPS Features
41911 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Features
41912 @cindex target descriptions, @acronym{MIPS} features
41913
41914 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for @acronym{MIPS} targets.
41915 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
41916 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
41917 on the target.
41918
41919 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
41920 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
41921 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41922
41923 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
41924 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
41925 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
41926 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41927
41928 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.dsp} feature is optional. It should
41929 contain registers @samp{hi1} through @samp{hi3}, @samp{lo1} through
41930 @samp{lo3}, and @samp{dspctl}. The @samp{dspctl} register should
41931 be 32-bit and the rest may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41932
41933 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
41934 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
41935 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
41936
41937 @node M68K Features
41938 @subsection M68K Features
41939 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
41940
41941 @table @code
41942 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
41943 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
41944 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
41945 One of those features must be always present.
41946 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
41947 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
41948 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
41949 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
41950
41951 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
41952 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
41953 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
41954 @samp{fpiaddr}.
41955 @end table
41956
41957 @node NDS32 Features
41958 @subsection NDS32 Features
41959 @cindex target descriptions, NDS32 features
41960
41961 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nds32.core} feature is required for NDS32
41962 targets. It should contain at least registers @samp{r0} through
41963 @samp{r10}, @samp{r15}, @samp{fp}, @samp{gp}, @samp{lp}, @samp{sp},
41964 and @samp{pc}.
41965
41966 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nds32.fpu} feature is optional. If present,
41967 it should contain 64-bit double-precision floating-point registers
41968 @samp{fd0} through @emph{fdN}, which should be @samp{fd3}, @samp{fd7},
41969 @samp{fd15}, or @samp{fd31} based on the FPU configuration implemented.
41970
41971 @emph{Note:} The first sixteen 64-bit double-precision floating-point
41972 registers are overlapped with the thirty-two 32-bit single-precision
41973 floating-point registers. The 32-bit single-precision registers, if
41974 not being listed explicitly, will be synthesized from halves of the
41975 overlapping 64-bit double-precision registers. Listing 32-bit
41976 single-precision registers explicitly is deprecated, and the
41977 support to it could be totally removed some day.
41978
41979 @node Nios II Features
41980 @subsection Nios II Features
41981 @cindex target descriptions, Nios II features
41982
41983 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nios2.cpu} feature is required for Nios II
41984 targets. It should contain the 32 core registers (@samp{zero},
41985 @samp{at}, @samp{r2} through @samp{r23}, @samp{et} through @samp{ra}),
41986 @samp{pc}, and the 16 control registers (@samp{status} through
41987 @samp{mpuacc}).
41988
41989 @node PowerPC Features
41990 @subsection PowerPC Features
41991 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
41992
41993 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
41994 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
41995 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
41996 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41997
41998 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
41999 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
42000
42001 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
42002 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
42003 and @samp{vrsave}.
42004
42005 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
42006 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
42007 will combine these registers with the floating point registers
42008 (@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
42009 through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
42010 through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
42011
42012 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
42013 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
42014 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
42015 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
42016 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
42017 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
42018 user.
42019
42020 @node S/390 and System z Features
42021 @subsection S/390 and System z Features
42022 @cindex target descriptions, S/390 features
42023 @cindex target descriptions, System z features
42024
42025 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.core} feature is required for S/390 and
42026 System z targets. It should contain the PSW and the 16 general
42027 registers. In particular, System z targets should provide the 64-bit
42028 registers @samp{pswm}, @samp{pswa}, and @samp{r0} through @samp{r15}.
42029 S/390 targets should provide the 32-bit versions of these registers.
42030 A System z target that runs in 31-bit addressing mode should provide
42031 32-bit versions of @samp{pswm} and @samp{pswa}, as well as the general
42032 register's upper halves @samp{r0h} through @samp{r15h}, and their
42033 lower halves @samp{r0l} through @samp{r15l}.
42034
42035 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.fpr} feature is required. It should
42036 contain the 64-bit registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f15}, and
42037 @samp{fpc}.
42038
42039 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.acr} feature is required. It should
42040 contain the 32-bit registers @samp{acr0} through @samp{acr15}.
42041
42042 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.linux} feature is optional. It should
42043 contain the register @samp{orig_r2}, which is 64-bit wide on System z
42044 targets and 32-bit otherwise. In addition, the feature may contain
42045 the @samp{last_break} register, whose width depends on the addressing
42046 mode, as well as the @samp{system_call} register, which is always
42047 32-bit wide.
42048
42049 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.tdb} feature is optional. It should
42050 contain the 64-bit registers @samp{tdb0}, @samp{tac}, @samp{tct},
42051 @samp{atia}, and @samp{tr0} through @samp{tr15}.
42052
42053 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.vx} feature is optional. It should contain
42054 64-bit wide registers @samp{v0l} through @samp{v15l}, which will be
42055 combined by @value{GDBN} with the floating point registers @samp{f0}
42056 through @samp{f15} to present the 128-bit wide vector registers
42057 @samp{v0} through @samp{v15}. In addition, this feature should
42058 contain the 128-bit wide vector registers @samp{v16} through
42059 @samp{v31}.
42060
42061 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.gs} feature is optional. It should contain
42062 the 64-bit wide guarded-storage-control registers @samp{gsd},
42063 @samp{gssm}, and @samp{gsepla}.
42064
42065 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.gsbc} feature is optional. It should contain
42066 the 64-bit wide guarded-storage broadcast control registers
42067 @samp{bc_gsd}, @samp{bc_gssm}, and @samp{bc_gsepla}.
42068
42069 @node Sparc Features
42070 @subsection Sparc Features
42071 @cindex target descriptions, sparc32 features
42072 @cindex target descriptions, sparc64 features
42073 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.sparc.cpu} feature is required for sparc32/sparc64
42074 targets. It should describe the following registers:
42075
42076 @itemize @minus
42077 @item
42078 @samp{g0} through @samp{g7}
42079 @item
42080 @samp{o0} through @samp{o7}
42081 @item
42082 @samp{l0} through @samp{l7}
42083 @item
42084 @samp{i0} through @samp{i7}
42085 @end itemize
42086
42087 They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
42088
42089 Also the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.sparc.fpu} feature is required for sparc32/sparc64
42090 targets. It should describe the following registers:
42091
42092 @itemize @minus
42093 @item
42094 @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}
42095 @item
42096 @samp{f32} through @samp{f62} for sparc64
42097 @end itemize
42098
42099 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.sparc.cp0} feature is required for sparc32/sparc64
42100 targets. It should describe the following registers:
42101
42102 @itemize @minus
42103 @item
42104 @samp{y}, @samp{psr}, @samp{wim}, @samp{tbr}, @samp{pc}, @samp{npc},
42105 @samp{fsr}, and @samp{csr} for sparc32
42106 @item
42107 @samp{pc}, @samp{npc}, @samp{state}, @samp{fsr}, @samp{fprs}, and @samp{y}
42108 for sparc64
42109 @end itemize
42110
42111 @node TIC6x Features
42112 @subsection TMS320C6x Features
42113 @cindex target descriptions, TIC6x features
42114 @cindex target descriptions, TMS320C6x features
42115 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.core} feature is required for TMS320C6x
42116 targets. It should contain registers @samp{A0} through @samp{A15},
42117 registers @samp{B0} through @samp{B15}, @samp{CSR} and @samp{PC}.
42118
42119 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.gp} feature is optional. It should
42120 contain registers @samp{A16} through @samp{A31} and @samp{B16}
42121 through @samp{B31}.
42122
42123 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.c6xp} feature is optional. It should
42124 contain registers @samp{TSR}, @samp{ILC} and @samp{RILC}.
42125
42126 @node Operating System Information
42127 @appendix Operating System Information
42128 @cindex operating system information
42129
42130 @menu
42131 * Process list::
42132 @end menu
42133
42134 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
42135 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
42136 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
42137 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
42138 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
42139 on a different aspect of target.
42140
42141 Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
42142 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
42143 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
42144 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
42145
42146 @node Process list
42147 @appendixsection Process list
42148 @cindex operating system information, process list
42149
42150 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
42151 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
42152 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
42153 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
42154
42155 An example document is:
42156
42157 @smallexample
42158 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42159 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
42160 <osdata type="processes">
42161 <item>
42162 <column name="pid">1</column>
42163 <column name="user">root</column>
42164 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
42165 <column name="cores">1,2,3</column>
42166 </item>
42167 </osdata>
42168 @end smallexample
42169
42170 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
42171 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
42172 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
42173 displayed by @value{GDBN}. The @samp{cores} column, if present,
42174 should contain a comma-separated list of cores that this process
42175 is running on. Target may provide additional columns,
42176 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
42177
42178 @node Trace File Format
42179 @appendix Trace File Format
42180 @cindex trace file format
42181
42182 The trace file comes in three parts: a header, a textual description
42183 section, and a trace frame section with binary data.
42184
42185 The header has the form @code{\x7fTRACE0\n}. The first byte is
42186 @code{0x7f} so as to indicate that the file contains binary data,
42187 while the @code{0} is a version number that may have different values
42188 in the future.
42189
42190 The description section consists of multiple lines of @sc{ascii} text
42191 separated by newline characters (@code{0xa}). The lines may include a
42192 variety of optional descriptive or context-setting information, such
42193 as tracepoint definitions or register set size. @value{GDBN} will
42194 ignore any line that it does not recognize. An empty line marks the end
42195 of this section.
42196
42197 @table @code
42198 @item R @var{size}
42199 Specifies the size of a register block in bytes. This is equal to the
42200 size of a @code{g} packet payload in the remote protocol. @var{size}
42201 is an ascii decimal number. There should be only one such line in
42202 a single trace file.
42203
42204 @item status @var{status}
42205 Trace status. @var{status} has the same format as a @code{qTStatus}
42206 remote packet reply. There should be only one such line in a single trace
42207 file.
42208
42209 @item tp @var{payload}
42210 Tracepoint definition. The @var{payload} has the same format as
42211 @code{qTfP}/@code{qTsP} remote packet reply payload. A single tracepoint
42212 may take multiple lines of definition, corresponding to the multiple
42213 reply packets.
42214
42215 @item tsv @var{payload}
42216 Trace state variable definition. The @var{payload} has the same format as
42217 @code{qTfV}/@code{qTsV} remote packet reply payload. A single variable
42218 may take multiple lines of definition, corresponding to the multiple
42219 reply packets.
42220
42221 @item tdesc @var{payload}
42222 Target description in XML format. The @var{payload} is a single line of
42223 the XML file. All such lines should be concatenated together to get
42224 the original XML file. This file is in the same format as @code{qXfer}
42225 @code{features} payload, and corresponds to the main @code{target.xml}
42226 file. Includes are not allowed.
42227
42228 @end table
42229
42230 The trace frame section consists of a number of consecutive frames.
42231 Each frame begins with a two-byte tracepoint number, followed by a
42232 four-byte size giving the amount of data in the frame. The data in
42233 the frame consists of a number of blocks, each introduced by a
42234 character indicating its type (at least register, memory, and trace
42235 state variable). The data in this section is raw binary, not a
42236 hexadecimal or other encoding; its endianness matches the target's
42237 endianness.
42238
42239 @c FIXME bi-arch may require endianness/arch info in description section
42240
42241 @table @code
42242 @item R @var{bytes}
42243 Register block. The number and ordering of bytes matches that of a
42244 @code{g} packet in the remote protocol. Note that these are the
42245 actual bytes, in target order, not a hexadecimal encoding.
42246
42247 @item M @var{address} @var{length} @var{bytes}...
42248 Memory block. This is a contiguous block of memory, at the 8-byte
42249 address @var{address}, with a 2-byte length @var{length}, followed by
42250 @var{length} bytes.
42251
42252 @item V @var{number} @var{value}
42253 Trace state variable block. This records the 8-byte signed value
42254 @var{value} of trace state variable numbered @var{number}.
42255
42256 @end table
42257
42258 Future enhancements of the trace file format may include additional types
42259 of blocks.
42260
42261 @node Index Section Format
42262 @appendix @code{.gdb_index} section format
42263 @cindex .gdb_index section format
42264 @cindex index section format
42265
42266 This section documents the index section that is created by @code{save
42267 gdb-index} (@pxref{Index Files}). The index section is
42268 DWARF-specific; some knowledge of DWARF is assumed in this
42269 description.
42270
42271 The mapped index file format is designed to be directly
42272 @code{mmap}able on any architecture. In most cases, a datum is
42273 represented using a little-endian 32-bit integer value, called an
42274 @code{offset_type}. Big endian machines must byte-swap the values
42275 before using them. Exceptions to this rule are noted. The data is
42276 laid out such that alignment is always respected.
42277
42278 A mapped index consists of several areas, laid out in order.
42279
42280 @enumerate
42281 @item
42282 The file header. This is a sequence of values, of @code{offset_type}
42283 unless otherwise noted:
42284
42285 @enumerate
42286 @item
42287 The version number, currently 8. Versions 1, 2 and 3 are obsolete.
42288 Version 4 uses a different hashing function from versions 5 and 6.
42289 Version 6 includes symbols for inlined functions, whereas versions 4
42290 and 5 do not. Version 7 adds attributes to the CU indices in the
42291 symbol table. Version 8 specifies that symbols from DWARF type units
42292 (@samp{DW_TAG_type_unit}) refer to the type unit's symbol table and not the
42293 compilation unit (@samp{DW_TAG_comp_unit}) using the type.
42294
42295 @value{GDBN} will only read version 4, 5, or 6 indices
42296 by specifying @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
42297 GDB has a workaround for potentially broken version 7 indices so it is
42298 currently not flagged as deprecated.
42299
42300 @item
42301 The offset, from the start of the file, of the CU list.
42302
42303 @item
42304 The offset, from the start of the file, of the types CU list. Note
42305 that this area can be empty, in which case this offset will be equal
42306 to the next offset.
42307
42308 @item
42309 The offset, from the start of the file, of the address area.
42310
42311 @item
42312 The offset, from the start of the file, of the symbol table.
42313
42314 @item
42315 The offset, from the start of the file, of the constant pool.
42316 @end enumerate
42317
42318 @item
42319 The CU list. This is a sequence of pairs of 64-bit little-endian
42320 values, sorted by the CU offset. The first element in each pair is
42321 the offset of a CU in the @code{.debug_info} section. The second
42322 element in each pair is the length of that CU. References to a CU
42323 elsewhere in the map are done using a CU index, which is just the
42324 0-based index into this table. Note that if there are type CUs, then
42325 conceptually CUs and type CUs form a single list for the purposes of
42326 CU indices.
42327
42328 @item
42329 The types CU list. This is a sequence of triplets of 64-bit
42330 little-endian values. In a triplet, the first value is the CU offset,
42331 the second value is the type offset in the CU, and the third value is
42332 the type signature. The types CU list is not sorted.
42333
42334 @item
42335 The address area. The address area consists of a sequence of address
42336 entries. Each address entry has three elements:
42337
42338 @enumerate
42339 @item
42340 The low address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value.
42341
42342 @item
42343 The high address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value. Like
42344 @code{DW_AT_high_pc}, the value is one byte beyond the end.
42345
42346 @item
42347 The CU index. This is an @code{offset_type} value.
42348 @end enumerate
42349
42350 @item
42351 The symbol table. This is an open-addressed hash table. The size of
42352 the hash table is always a power of 2.
42353
42354 Each slot in the hash table consists of a pair of @code{offset_type}
42355 values. The first value is the offset of the symbol's name in the
42356 constant pool. The second value is the offset of the CU vector in the
42357 constant pool.
42358
42359 If both values are 0, then this slot in the hash table is empty. This
42360 is ok because while 0 is a valid constant pool index, it cannot be a
42361 valid index for both a string and a CU vector.
42362
42363 The hash value for a table entry is computed by applying an
42364 iterative hash function to the symbol's name. Starting with an
42365 initial value of @code{r = 0}, each (unsigned) character @samp{c} in
42366 the string is incorporated into the hash using the formula depending on the
42367 index version:
42368
42369 @table @asis
42370 @item Version 4
42371 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + c - 113}.
42372
42373 @item Versions 5 to 7
42374 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + tolower (c) - 113}.
42375 @end table
42376
42377 The terminating @samp{\0} is not incorporated into the hash.
42378
42379 The step size used in the hash table is computed via
42380 @code{((hash * 17) & (size - 1)) | 1}, where @samp{hash} is the hash
42381 value, and @samp{size} is the size of the hash table. The step size
42382 is used to find the next candidate slot when handling a hash
42383 collision.
42384
42385 The names of C@t{++} symbols in the hash table are canonicalized. We
42386 don't currently have a simple description of the canonicalization
42387 algorithm; if you intend to create new index sections, you must read
42388 the code.
42389
42390 @item
42391 The constant pool. This is simply a bunch of bytes. It is organized
42392 so that alignment is correct: CU vectors are stored first, followed by
42393 strings.
42394
42395 A CU vector in the constant pool is a sequence of @code{offset_type}
42396 values. The first value is the number of CU indices in the vector.
42397 Each subsequent value is the index and symbol attributes of a CU in
42398 the CU list. This element in the hash table is used to indicate which
42399 CUs define the symbol and how the symbol is used.
42400 See below for the format of each CU index+attributes entry.
42401
42402 A string in the constant pool is zero-terminated.
42403 @end enumerate
42404
42405 Attributes were added to CU index values in @code{.gdb_index} version 7.
42406 If a symbol has multiple uses within a CU then there is one
42407 CU index+attributes value for each use.
42408
42409 The format of each CU index+attributes entry is as follows
42410 (bit 0 = LSB):
42411
42412 @table @asis
42413
42414 @item Bits 0-23
42415 This is the index of the CU in the CU list.
42416 @item Bits 24-27
42417 These bits are reserved for future purposes and must be zero.
42418 @item Bits 28-30
42419 The kind of the symbol in the CU.
42420
42421 @table @asis
42422 @item 0
42423 This value is reserved and should not be used.
42424 By reserving zero the full @code{offset_type} value is backwards compatible
42425 with previous versions of the index.
42426 @item 1
42427 The symbol is a type.
42428 @item 2
42429 The symbol is a variable or an enum value.
42430 @item 3
42431 The symbol is a function.
42432 @item 4
42433 Any other kind of symbol.
42434 @item 5,6,7
42435 These values are reserved.
42436 @end table
42437
42438 @item Bit 31
42439 This bit is zero if the value is global and one if it is static.
42440
42441 The determination of whether a symbol is global or static is complicated.
42442 The authorative reference is the file @file{dwarf2read.c} in
42443 @value{GDBN} sources.
42444
42445 @end table
42446
42447 This pseudo-code describes the computation of a symbol's kind and
42448 global/static attributes in the index.
42449
42450 @smallexample
42451 is_external = get_attribute (die, DW_AT_external);
42452 language = get_attribute (cu_die, DW_AT_language);
42453 switch (die->tag)
42454 @{
42455 case DW_TAG_typedef:
42456 case DW_TAG_base_type:
42457 case DW_TAG_subrange_type:
42458 kind = TYPE;
42459 is_static = 1;
42460 break;
42461 case DW_TAG_enumerator:
42462 kind = VARIABLE;
42463 is_static = language != CPLUS;
42464 break;
42465 case DW_TAG_subprogram:
42466 kind = FUNCTION;
42467 is_static = ! (is_external || language == ADA);
42468 break;
42469 case DW_TAG_constant:
42470 kind = VARIABLE;
42471 is_static = ! is_external;
42472 break;
42473 case DW_TAG_variable:
42474 kind = VARIABLE;
42475 is_static = ! is_external;
42476 break;
42477 case DW_TAG_namespace:
42478 kind = TYPE;
42479 is_static = 0;
42480 break;
42481 case DW_TAG_class_type:
42482 case DW_TAG_interface_type:
42483 case DW_TAG_structure_type:
42484 case DW_TAG_union_type:
42485 case DW_TAG_enumeration_type:
42486 kind = TYPE;
42487 is_static = language != CPLUS;
42488 break;
42489 default:
42490 assert (0);
42491 @}
42492 @end smallexample
42493
42494 @node Man Pages
42495 @appendix Manual pages
42496 @cindex Man pages
42497
42498 @menu
42499 * gdb man:: The GNU Debugger man page
42500 * gdbserver man:: Remote Server for the GNU Debugger man page
42501 * gcore man:: Generate a core file of a running program
42502 * gdbinit man:: gdbinit scripts
42503 @end menu
42504
42505 @node gdb man
42506 @heading gdb man
42507
42508 @c man title gdb The GNU Debugger
42509
42510 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdb
42511 gdb [@option{-help}] [@option{-nh}] [@option{-nx}] [@option{-q}]
42512 [@option{-batch}] [@option{-cd=}@var{dir}] [@option{-f}]
42513 [@option{-b}@w{ }@var{bps}]
42514 [@option{-tty=}@var{dev}] [@option{-s} @var{symfile}]
42515 [@option{-e}@w{ }@var{prog}] [@option{-se}@w{ }@var{prog}]
42516 [@option{-c}@w{ }@var{core}] [@option{-p}@w{ }@var{procID}]
42517 [@option{-x}@w{ }@var{cmds}] [@option{-d}@w{ }@var{dir}]
42518 [@var{prog}|@var{prog} @var{procID}|@var{prog} @var{core}]
42519 @c man end
42520
42521 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdb
42522 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
42523 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes -- or what another
42524 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
42525
42526 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
42527 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
42528
42529 @itemize @bullet
42530 @item
42531 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
42532
42533 @item
42534 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
42535
42536 @item
42537 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
42538
42539 @item
42540 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
42541 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
42542 @end itemize
42543
42544 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C, C@t{++}, Fortran and
42545 Modula-2.
42546
42547 @value{GDBN} is invoked with the shell command @code{gdb}. Once started, it reads
42548 commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit with the @value{GDBN}
42549 command @code{quit}. You can get online help from @value{GDBN} itself
42550 by using the command @code{help}.
42551
42552 You can run @code{gdb} with no arguments or options; but the most
42553 usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument or two, specifying an
42554 executable program as the argument:
42555
42556 @smallexample
42557 gdb program
42558 @end smallexample
42559
42560 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file specified:
42561
42562 @smallexample
42563 gdb program core
42564 @end smallexample
42565
42566 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
42567 to debug a running process:
42568
42569 @smallexample
42570 gdb program 1234
42571 gdb -p 1234
42572 @end smallexample
42573
42574 @noindent
42575 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
42576 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
42577 With option @option{-p} you can omit the @var{program} filename.
42578
42579 Here are some of the most frequently needed @value{GDBN} commands:
42580
42581 @c pod2man highlights the right hand side of the @item lines.
42582 @table @env
42583 @item break [@var{file}:]@var{function}
42584 Set a breakpoint at @var{function} (in @var{file}).
42585
42586 @item run [@var{arglist}]
42587 Start your program (with @var{arglist}, if specified).
42588
42589 @item bt
42590 Backtrace: display the program stack.
42591
42592 @item print @var{expr}
42593 Display the value of an expression.
42594
42595 @item c
42596 Continue running your program (after stopping, e.g. at a breakpoint).
42597
42598 @item next
42599 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{over} any
42600 function calls in the line.
42601
42602 @item edit [@var{file}:]@var{function}
42603 look at the program line where it is presently stopped.
42604
42605 @item list [@var{file}:]@var{function}
42606 type the text of the program in the vicinity of where it is presently stopped.
42607
42608 @item step
42609 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{into} any
42610 function calls in the line.
42611
42612 @item help [@var{name}]
42613 Show information about @value{GDBN} command @var{name}, or general information
42614 about using @value{GDBN}.
42615
42616 @item quit
42617 Exit from @value{GDBN}.
42618 @end table
42619
42620 @ifset man
42621 For full details on @value{GDBN},
42622 see @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
42623 by Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch. The same text is available online
42624 as the @code{gdb} entry in the @code{info} program.
42625 @end ifset
42626 @c man end
42627
42628 @c man begin OPTIONS gdb
42629 Any arguments other than options specify an executable
42630 file and core file (or process ID); that is, the first argument
42631 encountered with no
42632 associated option flag is equivalent to a @option{-se} option, and the second,
42633 if any, is equivalent to a @option{-c} option if it's the name of a file.
42634 Many options have
42635 both long and short forms; both are shown here. The long forms are also
42636 recognized if you truncate them, so long as enough of the option is
42637 present to be unambiguous. (If you prefer, you can flag option
42638 arguments with @option{+} rather than @option{-}, though we illustrate the
42639 more usual convention.)
42640
42641 All the options and command line arguments you give are processed
42642 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the @option{-x}
42643 option is used.
42644
42645 @table @env
42646 @item -help
42647 @itemx -h
42648 List all options, with brief explanations.
42649
42650 @item -symbols=@var{file}
42651 @itemx -s @var{file}
42652 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
42653
42654 @item -write
42655 Enable writing into executable and core files.
42656
42657 @item -exec=@var{file}
42658 @itemx -e @var{file}
42659 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when
42660 appropriate, and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core
42661 dump.
42662
42663 @item -se=@var{file}
42664 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
42665 file.
42666
42667 @item -core=@var{file}
42668 @itemx -c @var{file}
42669 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
42670
42671 @item -command=@var{file}
42672 @itemx -x @var{file}
42673 Execute @value{GDBN} commands from file @var{file}.
42674
42675 @item -ex @var{command}
42676 Execute given @value{GDBN} @var{command}.
42677
42678 @item -directory=@var{directory}
42679 @itemx -d @var{directory}
42680 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source files.
42681
42682 @item -nh
42683 Do not execute commands from @file{~/.gdbinit}.
42684
42685 @item -nx
42686 @itemx -n
42687 Do not execute commands from any @file{.gdbinit} initialization files.
42688
42689 @item -quiet
42690 @itemx -q
42691 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
42692 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
42693
42694 @item -batch
42695 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the command
42696 files specified with @option{-x} (and @file{.gdbinit}, if not inhibited).
42697 Exit with nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN}
42698 commands in the command files.
42699
42700 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for example to
42701 download and run a program on another computer; in order to make this
42702 more useful, the message
42703
42704 @smallexample
42705 Program exited normally.
42706 @end smallexample
42707
42708 @noindent
42709 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under @value{GDBN} control
42710 terminates) is not issued when running in batch mode.
42711
42712 @item -cd=@var{directory}
42713 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
42714 instead of the current directory.
42715
42716 @item -fullname
42717 @itemx -f
42718 Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells
42719 @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line number in a standard,
42720 recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is displayed (which
42721 includes each time the program stops). This recognizable format looks
42722 like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by the file name, line number
42723 and character position separated by colons, and a newline. The
42724 Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two @samp{\032}
42725 characters as a signal to display the source code for the frame.
42726
42727 @item -b @var{bps}
42728 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
42729 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
42730
42731 @item -tty=@var{device}
42732 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
42733 @end table
42734 @c man end
42735
42736 @c man begin SEEALSO gdb
42737 @ifset man
42738 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
42739 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
42740 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
42741
42742 @smallexample
42743 info gdb
42744 @end smallexample
42745
42746 @noindent
42747 should give you access to the complete manual.
42748
42749 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
42750 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
42751 @end ifset
42752 @c man end
42753
42754 @node gdbserver man
42755 @heading gdbserver man
42756
42757 @c man title gdbserver Remote Server for the GNU Debugger
42758 @format
42759 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbserver
42760 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
42761
42762 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
42763
42764 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
42765 @c man end
42766 @end format
42767
42768 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbserver
42769 @command{gdbserver} is a program that allows you to run @value{GDBN} on a different machine
42770 than the one which is running the program being debugged.
42771
42772 @ifclear man
42773 @subheading Usage (server (target) side)
42774 @end ifclear
42775 @ifset man
42776 Usage (server (target) side):
42777 @end ifset
42778
42779 First, you need to have a copy of the program you want to debug put onto
42780 the target system. The program can be stripped to save space if needed, as
42781 @command{gdbserver} doesn't care about symbols. All symbol handling is taken care of by
42782 the @value{GDBN} running on the host system.
42783
42784 To use the server, you log on to the target system, and run the @command{gdbserver}
42785 program. You must tell it (a) how to communicate with @value{GDBN}, (b) the name of
42786 your program, and (c) its arguments. The general syntax is:
42787
42788 @smallexample
42789 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [@var{args} ...]
42790 @end smallexample
42791
42792 For example, using a serial port, you might say:
42793
42794 @smallexample
42795 @ifset man
42796 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/com1>.
42797 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
42798 @end ifset
42799 @ifclear man
42800 target> gdbserver @file{/dev/com1} emacs foo.txt
42801 @end ifclear
42802 @end smallexample
42803
42804 This tells @command{gdbserver} to debug emacs with an argument of foo.txt, and
42805 to communicate with @value{GDBN} via @file{/dev/com1}. @command{gdbserver} now
42806 waits patiently for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate with it.
42807
42808 To use a TCP connection, you could say:
42809
42810 @smallexample
42811 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
42812 @end smallexample
42813
42814 This says pretty much the same thing as the last example, except that we are
42815 going to communicate with the @code{host} @value{GDBN} via TCP. The @code{host:2345} argument means
42816 that we are expecting to see a TCP connection from @code{host} to local TCP port
42817 2345. (Currently, the @code{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number you
42818 want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any existing TCP
42819 ports on the target system. This same port number must be used in the host
42820 @value{GDBN}s @code{target remote} command, which will be described shortly. Note that if
42821 you chose a port number that conflicts with another service, @command{gdbserver} will
42822 print an error message and exit.
42823
42824 @command{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
42825 This is accomplished via the @option{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
42826
42827 @smallexample
42828 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
42829 @end smallexample
42830
42831 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
42832 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
42833
42834 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
42835 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
42836 In such case you should connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} to start
42837 the program you want to debug.
42838
42839 @smallexample
42840 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
42841 @end smallexample
42842
42843 @ifclear man
42844 @subheading Usage (host side)
42845 @end ifclear
42846 @ifset man
42847 Usage (host side):
42848 @end ifset
42849
42850 You need an unstripped copy of the target program on your host system, since
42851 @value{GDBN} needs to examine it's symbol tables and such. Start up @value{GDBN} as you normally
42852 would, with the target program as the first argument. (You may need to use the
42853 @option{--baud} option if the serial line is running at anything except 9600 baud.)
42854 That is @code{gdb TARGET-PROG}, or @code{gdb --baud BAUD TARGET-PROG}. After that, the only
42855 new command you need to know about is @code{target remote}
42856 (or @code{target extended-remote}). Its argument is either
42857 a device name (usually a serial device, like @file{/dev/ttyb}), or a @code{HOST:PORT}
42858 descriptor. For example:
42859
42860 @smallexample
42861 @ifset man
42862 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/ttyb>.
42863 (gdb) target remote /dev/ttyb
42864 @end ifset
42865 @ifclear man
42866 (gdb) target remote @file{/dev/ttyb}
42867 @end ifclear
42868 @end smallexample
42869
42870 @noindent
42871 communicates with the server via serial line @file{/dev/ttyb}, and:
42872
42873 @smallexample
42874 (gdb) target remote the-target:2345
42875 @end smallexample
42876
42877 @noindent
42878 communicates via a TCP connection to port 2345 on host `the-target', where
42879 you previously started up @command{gdbserver} with the same port number. Note that for
42880 TCP connections, you must start up @command{gdbserver} prior to using the `target remote'
42881 command, otherwise you may get an error that looks something like
42882 `Connection refused'.
42883
42884 @command{gdbserver} can also debug multiple inferiors at once,
42885 described in
42886 @ifset man
42887 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Inferiors and Programs}
42888 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Inferiors and Programs'}.
42889 @end ifset
42890 @ifclear man
42891 @ref{Inferiors and Programs}.
42892 @end ifclear
42893 In such case use the @code{extended-remote} @value{GDBN} command variant:
42894
42895 @smallexample
42896 (gdb) target extended-remote the-target:2345
42897 @end smallexample
42898
42899 The @command{gdbserver} option @option{--multi} may or may not be used in such
42900 case.
42901 @c man end
42902
42903 @c man begin OPTIONS gdbserver
42904 There are three different modes for invoking @command{gdbserver}:
42905
42906 @itemize @bullet
42907
42908 @item
42909 Debug a specific program specified by its program name:
42910
42911 @smallexample
42912 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
42913 @end smallexample
42914
42915 The @var{comm} parameter specifies how should the server communicate
42916 with @value{GDBN}; it is either a device name (to use a serial line),
42917 a TCP port number (@code{:1234}), or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
42918 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}. Specify the name of the program to
42919 debug in @var{prog}. Any remaining arguments will be passed to the
42920 program verbatim. When the program exits, @value{GDBN} will close the
42921 connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
42922
42923 @item
42924 Debug a specific program by specifying the process ID of a running
42925 program:
42926
42927 @smallexample
42928 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
42929 @end smallexample
42930
42931 The @var{comm} parameter is as described above. Supply the process ID
42932 of a running program in @var{pid}; @value{GDBN} will do everything
42933 else. Like with the previous mode, when the process @var{pid} exits,
42934 @value{GDBN} will close the connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
42935
42936 @item
42937 Multi-process mode -- debug more than one program/process:
42938
42939 @smallexample
42940 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
42941 @end smallexample
42942
42943 In this mode, @value{GDBN} can instruct @command{gdbserver} which
42944 command(s) to run. Unlike the other 2 modes, @value{GDBN} will not
42945 close the connection when a process being debugged exits, so you can
42946 debug several processes in the same session.
42947 @end itemize
42948
42949 In each of the modes you may specify these options:
42950
42951 @table @env
42952
42953 @item --help
42954 List all options, with brief explanations.
42955
42956 @item --version
42957 This option causes @command{gdbserver} to print its version number and exit.
42958
42959 @item --attach
42960 @command{gdbserver} will attach to a running program. The syntax is:
42961
42962 @smallexample
42963 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
42964 @end smallexample
42965
42966 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
42967 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
42968
42969 @item --multi
42970 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
42971 or process ID to attach, use this command line option.
42972 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
42973 the program you want to debug. The syntax is:
42974
42975 @smallexample
42976 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
42977 @end smallexample
42978
42979 @item --debug
42980 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display extra status information about the debugging
42981 process.
42982 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
42983 the developers.
42984
42985 @item --remote-debug
42986 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display remote protocol debug output.
42987 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
42988 the developers.
42989
42990 @item --debug-format=option1@r{[},option2,...@r{]}
42991 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to include extra information in each line
42992 of debugging output.
42993 @xref{Other Command-Line Arguments for gdbserver}.
42994
42995 @item --wrapper
42996 Specify a wrapper to launch programs
42997 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
42998 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
42999 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
43000
43001 @item --once
43002 By default, @command{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
43003 additional connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
43004 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
43005 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session.
43006
43007 @c --disable-packet is not documented for users.
43008
43009 @c --disable-randomization and --no-disable-randomization are superseded by
43010 @c QDisableRandomization.
43011
43012 @end table
43013 @c man end
43014
43015 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbserver
43016 @ifset man
43017 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
43018 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
43019 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
43020
43021 @smallexample
43022 info gdb
43023 @end smallexample
43024
43025 should give you access to the complete manual.
43026
43027 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
43028 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
43029 @end ifset
43030 @c man end
43031
43032 @node gcore man
43033 @heading gcore
43034
43035 @c man title gcore Generate a core file of a running program
43036
43037 @format
43038 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gcore
43039 gcore [-o @var{filename}] @var{pid}
43040 @c man end
43041 @end format
43042
43043 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gcore
43044 Generate a core dump of a running program with process ID @var{pid}.
43045 Produced file is equivalent to a kernel produced core file as if the process
43046 crashed (and if @kbd{ulimit -c} were used to set up an appropriate core dump
43047 limit). Unlike after a crash, after @command{gcore} the program remains
43048 running without any change.
43049 @c man end
43050
43051 @c man begin OPTIONS gcore
43052 @table @env
43053 @item -o @var{filename}
43054 The optional argument
43055 @var{filename} specifies the file name where to put the core dump.
43056 If not specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}},
43057 where @var{pid} is the running program process ID.
43058 @end table
43059 @c man end
43060
43061 @c man begin SEEALSO gcore
43062 @ifset man
43063 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
43064 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
43065 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
43066
43067 @smallexample
43068 info gdb
43069 @end smallexample
43070
43071 @noindent
43072 should give you access to the complete manual.
43073
43074 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
43075 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
43076 @end ifset
43077 @c man end
43078
43079 @node gdbinit man
43080 @heading gdbinit
43081
43082 @c man title gdbinit GDB initialization scripts
43083
43084 @format
43085 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbinit
43086 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
43087 @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
43088 @end ifset
43089
43090 ~/.gdbinit
43091
43092 ./.gdbinit
43093 @c man end
43094 @end format
43095
43096 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbinit
43097 These files contain @value{GDBN} commands to automatically execute during
43098 @value{GDBN} startup. The lines of contents are canned sequences of commands,
43099 described in
43100 @ifset man
43101 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Sequences}
43102 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Sequences}.
43103 @end ifset
43104 @ifclear man
43105 @ref{Sequences}.
43106 @end ifclear
43107
43108 Please read more in
43109 @ifset man
43110 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Startup}
43111 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}.
43112 @end ifset
43113 @ifclear man
43114 @ref{Startup}.
43115 @end ifclear
43116
43117 @table @env
43118 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
43119 @item @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
43120 @end ifset
43121 @ifclear SYSTEM_GDBINIT
43122 @item (not enabled with @code{--with-system-gdbinit} during compilation)
43123 @end ifclear
43124 System-wide initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
43125 @value{GDBN} option @code{-nx} or @code{-n}.
43126 See more in
43127 @ifset man
43128 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{System-wide configuration}
43129 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'System-wide configuration'}.
43130 @end ifset
43131 @ifclear man
43132 @ref{System-wide configuration}.
43133 @end ifclear
43134
43135 @item ~/.gdbinit
43136 User initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
43137 @value{GDBN} options @code{-nx}, @code{-n} or @code{-nh}.
43138
43139 @item ./.gdbinit
43140 Initialization file for current directory. It may need to be enabled with
43141 @value{GDBN} security command @code{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
43142 See more in
43143 @ifset man
43144 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Init File in the Current Directory}
43145 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Init File in the Current Directory'}.
43146 @end ifset
43147 @ifclear man
43148 @ref{Init File in the Current Directory}.
43149 @end ifclear
43150 @end table
43151 @c man end
43152
43153 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbinit
43154 @ifset man
43155 gdb(1), @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}
43156
43157 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
43158 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
43159 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
43160
43161 @smallexample
43162 info gdb
43163 @end smallexample
43164
43165 should give you access to the complete manual.
43166
43167 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
43168 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
43169 @end ifset
43170 @c man end
43171
43172 @include gpl.texi
43173
43174 @node GNU Free Documentation License
43175 @appendix GNU Free Documentation License
43176 @include fdl.texi
43177
43178 @node Concept Index
43179 @unnumbered Concept Index
43180
43181 @printindex cp
43182
43183 @node Command and Variable Index
43184 @unnumbered Command, Variable, and Function Index
43185
43186 @printindex fn
43187
43188 @tex
43189 % I think something like @@colophon should be in texinfo. In the
43190 % meantime:
43191 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
43192 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
43193 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
43194 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
43195 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
43196 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
43197 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
43198 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
43199 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
43200 \page\colophon
43201 % Blame: doc@@cygnus.com, 1991.
43202 @end tex
43203
43204 @bye
This page took 0.992367 seconds and 4 git commands to generate.